Mr. Roth

I found yet another touching story out of one of my inspirational books...



Mr. Roth

An old man showed up at the back door of the house we were renting. Opening the door a few cautious inches, we saw his eyes were glassy and his furrowed face glistened with silver stubble. He clutched a wicker basket holding a few unappealing vegetablels. He bid us good morning and offered his produce for sale. We were uneasy enough to make a quick purchase to alleviate both our pity and our fear.

To our chagrin, he returned the next week, introducing himself as Mr. Roth, the man who lived in the shack down the road. As our fears subsided, we got close enought to realize that it wasn't alcohol, but cataracts, that marbleized his eyes. On subsequent visits, he would shuffle in, wearilng two mismatched right shoes, and pull out a harmonica. With glazed eyes set on a future glory, he'd puff out old gospel tunes between conversations about vegetables and religion.

On one visit, he exclaimed, "The Lord is so good! I came out of my shack this morning and found a bag full of shoes and clothing on my porch."

"That's wonderful, Mr. Roth," we said. "We're happy for you."

"You know what's even more wonderful?" he asked. "Just yesterday I met some people that could use them."

Author unknown

This story tells me to share whatever I have even if I don't have enough. And give to those who need more than I do.

What a beautiful story. And he sounds like a really delightful man.
~tyg

Doesn't he? I'd love to listen to stories from older people. They are delightful storytellers.

Yep. I once knew a lady - Miss Mary we called her. She had these amazing stories of Chicago and prohibition and speakeasies and the like. It really made that time come alive for me. And I learned all kinds of stuff.....
~tyg

Stories like that let you use your imagination too.