The Gift of the Old One

By Eunice Day, Washington ME

The young couple had made their usual hurried,

pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt

their elderly parents with their small herd of
goats. 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 goats, for the

years had taken their toll, but they sold a little milk,

and a few kids each year, and the goats 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 either kids or milk 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

goats. 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 like

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 goats through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never

looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily

through the snow. The kids 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 milkers

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 filled with devotion as she offered her gift-

Because of love.

Only Because of love.