My father told me a story, as fathers often do, of a time in his youth. He grew up in Texas, in a small town, the son of a hard working farmer and a diligent mother of 5 children. He had saved his money after working many tough jobs, baling hay, cutting wheat, and working cattle. When you’re making a few dollars a day…
It takes a long time to save enough for a car.
That exciting day arrived. He gathered up his cash and drove down a dusty road lined with caliche filled bar ditches, to pick up his first pride and joy. It was an old Ford truck, with plenty of dents and scratches, but in his eyes it was a thing of beauty. It meant freedom so that he could drive in to town without having to borrow the family car. That afternoon he returned to the farm in his new pride and joy. His father noticed something dripping from the engine. Upon further inspection they discovered there was a crack in the block. It was something that the seller, an old friend of the family, would have known about.
My father was furious and felt betrayed.
“We should go back and get them to return our money!” my father cried. “How could they do this to us?” he asked. His father looked at him with a gentle eye and told him no. “We’ll keep the truck and replace the block.” “But why?” my father asked. “They sold us a bill of goods. They must have known there was something wrong with this old heap!” Grandfather removed his tired old cowboy hat, raised a brow and said, “We’ll forgive them. They have been our friends for a long time and…”
Nothing is worth more than a friendship.
It is a lesson filled with great value. I am fortunate to have my father share it with me. And now I’ve shared it with you. Has someone you call a friend wronged you? How did you respond and was it worth letting them go or keeping them in your life?
This is the kind of lesson we all need to learn. Sometimes it cost more than an old truck.
What a neat story. What a neat granddad. The Bible say to forgive, and that is what your grandfather did and was passing on to your dad. Now it is your turn to do the same, no matter how hard. Love your site by the way.
What a great story Mark. One that should be passed on to future generations. Friendship is a valuable gift, to be treasured especially in hard times. Thanks for sharing!
Mark, that sounds like the 55 Plymouth I bought from a close family friend. After $50.00 I drove it home with a small tick in the engine. My next trip down the road, it threw a rod out the side of the engine. After that lesson I rebuilt my Dads Buick straight 8 at the age of 16.
RBruce
What great stories you have. I just acquired three vehicles from a deceased relative that my boys and I are restoring and we are beginning to make memories. My oldest son followed me into the restoration business. My other two help us but they aren’t too interested. That’s okay though. I remember helping my dad wash and wax his cars and I wasn’t too interested at the time but now I’m doing it with my boys. It’s time well spent with the boys. What’s more important, spending time with my sons talking with them or what are hands are doing? I miss those times with my dad. Keep the stories coming. I have some I could share.