Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Legacy - Giving - Part 2

 Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

As this year 2020 winds to an end my mind reflects on endings. The long-running show 'Supernatural' came to an end in November. Now you may ask what a television show has to do with endings, with legacies. There was a line in one of the early shows in which the writer, Chuck, says "No doubt endings are hard, but then again, nothing ever really ends." after which the character disappears from the screen.

The end of that line "...nothing ever really ends." is what brought the thought of legacies to the forefront.

For the earlier post in this series: 

Legacy - the beginning

Legacy - Giving

Perhaps you wonder how the legacy of giving never ends if the person who does the giving passes on? It is a valid thought, but I would suggest that the act itself, the observation of those around the giver allow the story to live on. In part 2 I look at another 'giver's' legacy.

William Jackson Palmer
en.wikipedia.org

Most have heard of William Jackson Palmer, the founder of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. If you would like to know more the following books and links can add to your knowledge. "Legends, Labors & Loves", "General William Palmer- Railroad Pioneer" Brief Overview Article

The Palmer giving is a much smaller act than helping to create a city, give land to parks and churches, etc. The act I want to speak about bringing students from early school age to those in college to his large home. He provided transportation and entertainment. He also bought gifts for the children of the town of Christmas and held a celebration in his home. 

Glen Eyrie- Home of Wm. Jackson Palmer
en.wikipedia.org

Palmer was a man who'd spent his life building for the future. By sharing his good fortune with those around him he left a legacy of giving that is a role model for any who believe their gifts should be shared.

In my novella, "Home for his Heart" Fred is the Palmer for the small town of Agate Gulch. Below is a short excerpt: Clara has been humming to herself as she cooks the meal she serves the people of Agate Gulch each year for their continued support. Her friend Sally walks in ...

     Sensing someone behind her, as she turned her friend Sally was standing in the door.

     “You know you should sing in the church choir,” said Sally.

     “Oh I couldn't sing in public. The idea of all those people looking at me and judging, I

couldn't stand it,” replied Clara with a shudder.

     Sally's millinery shop was next to the restaurant. They both lived in homes behind their

businesses. During the past winter, she and Sally developed a strong friendship. Still, how

could Sally, who was petite and pretty, understand Clara's fear of being laughed at. Music was

her special place and any criticism would destroy that. Something most people didn't understand.

     “Clara, they would love you. Just as they love your cooking and your kind heart.”

     “I feel pretty lucky. To have so many customers who are friends, and of course you.”

     “Thank you for including me in that list,” replied Sally with a smirk.

     “You know what I mean. This meal is just my way of saying thank you for all the

kindnesses everyone has shown since I arrived, especially Fred.”

     Fred Mills, after eating her cooking in Pueblo, had talked Clara into starting a

restaurant in Agate Gulch. He loaned her the money to get started, and she finished paying him

back last month. It was something she was pleased and proud of.


Amazon


Doris Gardner-McCraw -
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History
Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet






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