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THE
ART COLLECTOR
(submitted by Scott Hembree 23 Jan 1998 <hembree@entelchile.net>)
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a
passion for art collecting. Together they travelled around the world, adding only
the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh,
Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The widowed elder man
looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The
son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they
dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his
country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved
son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he
would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed, the young man
had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and
sadness. The joy of the season, that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit
his house no longer. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the
depressed, old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls
only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was
greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hands. He introduced himself to the
man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when
he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son had told everyone of his,
not to mention his father's, love of fine art. "I am an artist," said the
soldier, "and I want to give you this."
As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's
son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting
featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above
the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set
about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing
aside thousands of dollars worth of art. His task completed, the old man sat in his
chair and spent Christmas
gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no
longer with him, the boy's life would live on because of those he had touched. He
would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet
stilled his caring heart.
As the stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and
satisfaction began to ease his grief. The painting of his son soon became his most
prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the
world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in
anticipation, that with the collector's passing, and his only son dead, those paintings
would be sold at auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works
would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received the greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of
the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day;
greatness would be achieved as many would hope to claim, "I have the greatest
collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the
painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was
silent.
"Who will open the bidding with $100?," he asked. Minutes passed, and no one
spoke. From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that painting?
It's just a picture of his son." "Let's forget about it and move on to the
good stuff," more voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now,
who will take the son?" Finally, a neighbor of the old man spoke. "Will you take
ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have
it."
"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer.
After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice, gone." The
gavel fell.
Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can
bid on the real treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced
that the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean,
it's over? We didn't come here for a picture of some old guy's son. What about
all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! I
demand that you explain what is going on!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the father,
whoever takes the son... gets it all."
AMEN!
Copied from Tea & Coffee Blessings.
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