Sunday, November 16, 2008

Moving Beyond Oneself

by Donald T of Seattle...

John and Mary had a comfortable home and two lovely children, a boy and a girl. John had been asked to go on a business trip to another city and would be gone for several days, so Mary decided to go along, and they hired a reliable woman to care for the children.

On their way back, as they drove into their hometown feeling glad to be back, they noticed smoke, and they went off their usual route to see what it was. They found a home in flames. Mary said, "Oh well it isn't our fire, let's go home."

But John drove closer and exclaimed, "That home belongs to Fred Jones who works at the office. He wouldn't be off work yet, maybe there is something we could do." "It has nothing to do with us." protested Mary. "You have your good clothes on let’s not get any closer."

But John drove up and stopped and they were both horror stricken to see the whole house in flames. A woman on the lawn was in hysterics screaming, "The children! Get the children!" John grabbed her by the shoulder saying, "Get a hold of yourself and tell us where the children are!" "In the basement," sobbed the woman, "down the hall and to the left."

In spite of Mary's protests John grabbed the water hose and soaked his clothes, put his wet handkerchief on his head and bolted for the basement which was full of smoke and scorching hot. He found the door and grabbed two children, holding one under each arm like the football player he was. As he left he could hear some more whimpering. He delivered the two badly frightened and nearly suffocated children into waiting arms and filled his lungs with fresh air and started back asking how many more children were down there. They told him two more and Mary grabbed his arm and screamed, "John! Don't go back! It's suicide! That house will cave in any second!"

But he shook her off and went back by feeling his way down the smoke filled hallway and into the room. It seemed an eternity before he found both children and started back. They were all three coughing and he stooped low to get what available air he could. As he stumbled up the endless steps the thought went through his mind that there was something strangely familiar about the little bodies clinging to him, and at last when they came out into the sunlight and fresh air, he found that he had just rescued his own children.

The baby-sitter had left them at this home while she did some shopping.

Reminding you that all selfless acts are rewarded. It is just sometimes we see the reward, and other times it is hidden.

11 comments:

Merle said...

Dear Patty ~~ I love this story, so thanks for posting it. Thanks for your comment. Warren is 8 years younger than Peter, but they behave like brothers, always teasing each other.
I like the sound of your leaf vacuum
that also grinds the leaves. Sounds like a great idea. I hope the week ahead is a good one for you. Take care, Love, Merle.

Rottlady of the Ozarks said...

What a compelling story with a great ending. I've got tears in my eyes over this.

nituscorner said...

I loved the story. once more reminded me of a good deed done unselfishly....
something we should all take a lesson from.
thanks for visiting my blogs.

Wanda said...

This brought tears to my eyes as we have watched for two days homes go up in flames on the news here in So. CA. When we were at our son's yesterday, ash and smoke filled the air. It's terrible.

I love this story... thank you.

Raymonty said...

Good people can be found everywhere and I believe that there is a spiritual force that give the good people the courage to be brave in times of an emergency - Raymonty/Seedplanter.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Such a moving story.
Thanks for sharing it, even though it brough tears.

Melinda said...

good lesson there mom!

Priyanka Khot said...

Loved the story...

But I am here after reading Abe's blog today and just did not let the opportunity pass by to compliment you...

the photograph he has put of urs in the red dress is beautiful...

The Mulligan Family said...

Tears! What a beautiful story.

Pat - Arkansas said...

What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing this one, Mrs. L.

Renie Burghardt said...

Very moving story, Patty. It brought tears to my eyes as well.

Have a good night.

Renie