This is a lovely story from MARISA, very appropriate for the season. Happy Holidays, everyone! Jennifer
Only for Love
The young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas
visit to the little farm where dwelt the elderly parents with their
small herd of horses. The farm had been named Lone Pine Farm because
of the huge pine which topped the hill behind the farm, and through
the years had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a
landmark in the countryside. The old folks no longer showed their
horses, for the years had taken their toll, but they sold a few foals
each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning
and contentment at day's end.
Crossly, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the
old folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is
no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from
her. You should cut corners and save where you can. Why do you keep
her anyway?" The old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the
barn floor and his arm stole defensively about the
Old One's neck as
he drew her to him and
rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her
because of love. Only because of love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his
wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness
stole through the valley.
So it was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the
insulation smouldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw
the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry
flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and
despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced
to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring
now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the
ground, helpless before the fire's fury.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing
ruins were left, and the old man and
his wife. They thanked those who
had come to their aid, and the old man turned to his wife, resting
her white head upon his shoulders as he clumsily dried her tears with
a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but
God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us, therefore,
climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times
of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God
that it has been spared."
And so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill
as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they
stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked
up and gasped in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.
Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught
up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine,
and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most
bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened li
ke spun glass. Never had a
mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as
he pulled his wife forward. There, beneath the tree, was their
Christmas gift. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of
the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she
had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses
through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she
had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The
foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked
back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under
them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares
pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the
hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and
gazed at the faces of those she loved. Her body was brittle with
years, but the golden eyes were fi
lled with devotion as she offered
her gift---
Because of love. Only Because of
love.
For this time of the year.......Happy Holidays.........
(unknown author)
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