« A Different Christmas Poem | Home | Meeker Hotel, Past and Present »
Only For Love
By PK | December 18, 2008
ONLY FOR LOVE A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day’s end.
Angry, 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 so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?”
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, ” Yes I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One’s neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, “We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just 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. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?
So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering 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. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.
By the time the fire department arr ived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife exhausted from their grief huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands 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 gather strength and 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 pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.
And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand. The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees 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 like spun glass . Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and inc redible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadowsglistening in the night light.
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 cautiously 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.20The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, 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 the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift– -
Because of love. Only Because of love .
Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy, And again the peace of love filled their hearts .
This is a true story.
216.237.246.94
38.107.179.230
Stumble it!
Topics: "Rants and Raves" |
54 Responses to “Only For Love”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
My goodness, you sure know how to tell a good story, it’s always the true stories that stand out.
December 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
i’m touched….. love is indeed a mystery. that’s all i can say….
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Hi.
Passing by to wish you a Good Christmas!
Cheers.
October 17th, 2011 at 5:53 am
2011…
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is …
October 21st, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Nature Herbal World…
Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems….
October 21st, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Best Seller…
Great website. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!…
October 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 am
Nespresso…
Good write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time….
October 22nd, 2011 at 9:56 pm
cheap fast cars…
There are definitely a lot of particulars like that to consider into consideration. That is a great point to deliver up. I provide the thoughts over as common inspiration but clearly there are concerns such as the one you bring up where the most import…
October 23rd, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Alarm Clocks …
The subsequent time I study a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I understand it was my option to study, but I really thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something…
October 23rd, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Gibson Guitars…
I’m often to running a blog and i really value your content. The write-up has truly peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information….
October 29th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
More Hotel Tips…
Your location is valueble for me. Thanks!…
October 30th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
2011…
It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing….
October 30th, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Australian Coins Collectors…
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
October 30th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
2011…
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you….
October 31st, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Gold Ingots…
There’s noticeably a bundle to understand about this. I presume you produced certain nice factors in functions also….
October 31st, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Gold Mexican Coins…
Aw, this was a truly good publish. In thought I’d prefer to place in writing like this moreover - using time and actual work to create a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no indicates seem to get some thing done….
November 1st, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Proof Set Coins…
This internet site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and did not know who to inquire. Glimpse right here, and you will certainly discover it….
November 1st, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Sovereign Gold Coins…
An extraordinary share, I just offered this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he actually bought me breakfast simply because I found it for him.. smile. So allow me to reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for …
November 3rd, 2011 at 9:38 pm
2011…
Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!”…
November 9th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
2011…
certainly like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again….
November 14th, 2011 at 12:53 am
2011…
This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article….
November 14th, 2011 at 2:09 am
2011…
Good write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time….
November 14th, 2011 at 3:44 am
2011…
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!…
November 16th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
2011…
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing….
November 18th, 2011 at 1:18 am
2011…
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post……
November 29th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
{Great|Wonderful|Fantastic|Magnificent|Excellent} {goods|items} from you, man. {I’ve|I have} {keep in mind|bear in mind|remember|consider|take into account|have in mind|take note|be mindful|understand|be aware|take into accout} your stuff {prior to|…
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
November 29th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
You actually make it appear really easy with your presentation however I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely extensive for me. I’m taking a look ahead in your subsequent sub…
November 29th, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
You can certainly see your expertise within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart….
November 29th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Good {blog|website|web site|site}! I {really|truly} love how it is {easy|simple} on my eyes and the data are well written. {I am|I’m} wondering how I {might be|could be} notified {whenever|when} a new post has been made. {I have|I’ve} subscribed to…
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
November 30th, 2011 at 3:17 am
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
Hello there, I discovered your web site by way of Google at the same time as looking for a related matter, your site got here up, it seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks….
November 30th, 2011 at 5:39 am
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
What i don’t realize is if truth be told how you’re not actually much more smartly-favored than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You already know therefore considerably in relation to this matter, made me for my part consider it from…
November 30th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I would like to {thnkx|thank you} for the efforts {you have|you’ve} put in writing this {blog|website|web site|site}. {I am|I’m} hoping the same high-grade {blog|website|web site|site} post from you in the upcoming {as well|also}. {In fact|Actually…
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
December 1st, 2011 at 3:07 am
I {like the|just like the} {valuable|helpful} {information|info} you {supply|provide} {for your|on your|in your|to your} articles. {I will|I’ll} bookmark your {weblog|blog} and {test|check|take a look at} {again|once more} {here|right here} {freque…
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
December 1st, 2011 at 4:13 am
Asian Tiger Mosquito…
Helpful info. Fortunate me I discovered your web site by chance, and I am stunned why this twist of fate didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it….
December 2nd, 2011 at 11:41 am
I would like to {thnkx|thank you} for the efforts {you have|you’ve} put in writing this {blog|website|web site|site}. {I am|I’m} hoping the same high-grade {blog|website|web site|site} post from you in the upcoming {as well|also}. {In fact|Actually…
Accounting Basics…
December 3rd, 2011 at 2:25 pm
2011…
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!…
December 4th, 2011 at 12:15 am
2011…
Hey very cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . ….
December 5th, 2011 at 12:47 am
2011…
Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Excellent. I’m also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work….
December 5th, 2011 at 1:25 am
2011…
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea…
December 10th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
2011…
It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing….
December 14th, 2011 at 12:09 am
2011…
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it….
December 14th, 2011 at 1:04 am
2011…
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me….
December 19th, 2011 at 6:23 am
2011…
You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart….
December 24th, 2011 at 3:42 am
2011…
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, as well as the content!…
December 25th, 2011 at 1:31 am
2011…
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are hunting around for this info, you could aid them greatly….
January 10th, 2012 at 7:00 am
… [Trackback] …
[...] Read More Infos here: bloggingus.com/rants-and-raves/only-for-love/ [...] …
January 14th, 2012 at 12:36 am
2011…
I’ve read several good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to create such a wonderful informative website….
January 14th, 2012 at 3:52 am
2011…
I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc….
January 14th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
2011…
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!…
January 16th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
2011…
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information….
January 17th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
2011…
Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun….
January 26th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
… [Trackback] …
[...] There you will find 73742 more Infos: bloggingus.com/rants-and-raves/only-for-love/ [...] …
February 2nd, 2012 at 5:30 am
2011…
This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. …
February 4th, 2012 at 1:37 am
… [Trackback] …
[...] There you will find 66390 more Infos: bloggingus.com/rants-and-raves/only-for-love/ [...] …