running the race.

Monday, June 20, 2005

a very simple story but beholds a great meaning to it!

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls,career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear acrossthe country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life,Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend withhis family and friends. He was working on his future, and nothing couldstop him.Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. Thefuneral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an oldnewsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. "Jack, did youhear me?""Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him.I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. "Well, hedidn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'dreminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as heput it," Mom told him."I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said."You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr Belser stepped in to make sureyou had a man's influence in your life," she said."He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in thisbusiness if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things hethought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to hishometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had nochildren of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The nightbefore he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the oldhouse next door one more time.Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossingover into another dimension, a leap through space and time.The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Everypicture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly. "What's wrong,Jack?" his Mom asked."The box is gone," he said."What box?" Mom asked."There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I musthave asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it,except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it."Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better getsome sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from workone day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on apackage. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within thenext three days," the note read.Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old andlooked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting wasdifficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr.HaroldBelser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open thepackage. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shookas he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and itscontents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A smallkey was taped to the letter.His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked thebox. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running hisfingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! -HaroldBelser.""The thing he valued most...was...my time."Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and clearedhis appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked."I need some time to spend with my mother," he said. "Oh, by the way,Janet..thanks for your time!""Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the momentsthat take our breath away,"Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't likeyou.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still comefrom it.
9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: youmost likely turned your back on the world.
10. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the ruderemarks.
12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much betterwhen they know and you'll both be happy.
13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
david

till the end;12:12 AM