Take My Son.

Post 227 - - - - - Tuesday, 12th June, 2007.

Hello Everyone ~~ I hope all is well at your place. All OK here.
Shopping completed and we are all stocked up again. Now I will
have to do some more cooking !!!

Tonight I was wondering what to post and received an e mail
from my friend Linda with the following story. Thanks Linda.

Take my Son.

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had
everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often
sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very
courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father
was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.
A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son
gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to
safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He
often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out
this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but
I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the
young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the
personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes
that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and
offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what
your son did for me. It's a gift.'


The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to
his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them
any of the other great works he had collected.


The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his
paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great
paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.


On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his
gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son.. Who will
bid for this picture?'

There was silence.

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous
paintings.. Skip this one.'


But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who
will start the bidding? $100, $200?'


Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see
the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!'


But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the
son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime
gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a
poor man, it was all he could afford.


'We have $10, who will bid $20?'

'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'

'$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.

They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.

The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'

A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the
collection!'


The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'


'What about the paintings?'


'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a
secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that
stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be
auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate,
including the paintings.


The man who took the son gets everything!'


God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the
auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'


Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.


FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,
WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE.
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Some Hospital Chart Notations. - - - -

The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.

The baby was delivered, the cord clamped and cut, and handed to the
pediatrician, who breathed and cried immediately.

The skin was moist and dry.

Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.

The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane ran
out of gas and crashed.

Patient was alert and unresponsive.

The patient lives at home with his mother, father and pet turtle, who is
presently enrolled in day care three times a week.

She is numb from her toes down.

The patient suffers from occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.

While in the emergency room, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.
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Things I've Learned - - - - - -

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent
Night" -- Age 6

I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. - -Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they
are doing and wave back. - - Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me
clean it up. - - - Age 13

I've learned if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering
someone else up. - - Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents
are strict with me. - - - Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of
advice. - - - Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's pleasures. - -Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me
there. - - - Age 29

I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live
so that no one will believe it. - - - Age 39

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know
how to show it. - - - Age 41

I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a
little card. - - - Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need
to cast blame on others. - - - Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. - -Age 47

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours. -Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50

I've learned you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles 3 things : a rainy day,
lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights. - - - Age 52

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet
full of pills. - - - Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss
them terribly after they die. - - - Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.--Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, try to
improve your marriage. - - - Age 61

I've learned that sometimes life gives you a second chance. - - - Age 62

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on
your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the
very best you can, happiness will find you. - - - Age 65

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer. - - -Age 72

I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen
several. - - - Age 73

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. - -Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People
love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat
on the back. - - - Age 85

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. - - - Age 92.
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Jon and Dan were in a mental institution. This place had an annual
contest, picking two of the best patients and giving them 2 questions.
If they answer correctly, they were deemed cured and free to go.

Jon was called to the doctor's office first and asked if he understood
that he'd be free if he answered correctly. The doctor said, "Jon, what
would happen if I poked out one of your eyes ?" Jon said, " I'd be half
blind." "That's correct. What would happen if I poked out both your
eyes?" "I'd be completely blind." The doctor stood up, shook his hand,
and told him he was free.

On Jon's way out, as the doctor filled out the paperwork, Jon mentioned
the questions to Dan. He told him what questions would be asked and
the answers. Dan was called in. The doctor went through the formalities
and asked, " What would happen if I cut off one of your ears ?" Dan,
remembering what Jon had said, said, " I'd be half blind.

The doctor looked a little puzzled, but went on. "What would happen if I
cut off both your ears ?" "I'd be completely blind." "Dan, how can you
explain that you'd be blind ?"asked the doctor.

"Well, " replied Dan, "my hat would fall over my eyes."
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Just a few quotes - - - -

The best way to future happiness is to be as happy as is rightfully
possible today. - - - Charles W. Eliot.

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.
- - - - - George Sand

If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there's anything
you can do. Think of something appropriate and do it.--F. W. Howe.

A comfortable home is a great source of happiness. It ranks
immediately after health and a good conscience. - -Sydney Smith.

Bye for now folks - - Stay well and happy and do something nice for
someone. Love and best wishes to you all. Cheers, Merle.

Post 227 - - - - Tuesday, 12th June, 2007.
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