Jimmy and I walked along the shores lining the
coast of Nova Scotia. A wave crashed against the rocks and splashed us. We
jumped back and wiped our faces. "That was a big one!" I laughed.
The water retreated. A bottle lay stranded between the rocks. Jimmy picked it
up. He looked at me. "Mike, what if we found a magic lantern? If we rubbed it
and a genie popped out, what would you wish for?"
"I'd wish for a TonkaŠ truck. I want one of those big yellow ones to carry dirt
around. We could build pretend cities and roads." I said. "And a new bike - one
with gears. I also want all the candy I can eat."
"Cool!" Jimmy said. "I want to be grown up with a car, a house and a boat."
Years later, in my teens, a friend asked, "Mike, if you had three wishes, what
would you want?"
"I want a sports car, a place remote island and a butler."
In my twenties, I wanted money, a house, and a chance to see the world.
I married and had children. I'd wish for the bills to be paid, a company of my
own, and for my kids to succeed.
I missed the mark. My jobs changed every few years. We moved many times, never
being able to settle in one place. My wife took a trip to heaven. I was alone
with two teenagers, far from our original home.
One morning, I woke up, turned to my side, and there was Ginny. In my dreams, I
must have stepped on a lantern. A genie offered me a wish. It came true. There
she was - my new wife. She slept beside me. Cars, money, and homes: who needs
them?
Love!
The "Beatles" said it best in their song, "All You Need Is Love."
Love is all I need.
I matured and my wishes changed. The things I wished for in the past could only
be obtained with money. One thing I didn't wish for was love - one of the few
things I could receive by giving it.
I looked at Ginny again. Her eyes opened and stared at me. I opened my arms. She
slid into them. Her heart beat against my chest. Our lips touched. We were one -
complete. I don't need anything else.
I had it, but I didn't know it. When I lost it, I was lucky enough to find it
again.
I stepped on a lantern and got my wish.
Michael T. Smith mtsmith@cableone.net
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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