Old Pappy

[Heavyduty053]

 

 

               Pappy was a pleasant-looking old fellow. He had the whitest hair which he kept neatly cut and combed. His eyes were blue, though faded with age, and they seemed to emit a warmth from within. His face was quite drawn but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him. He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and swept his pawnshop, even then he had a secret sadness and anyone who knew him respected and adored him.

               Most of Pappy's customers returned for their goods when they pawned them and he did not do much business, but he did not mind. To him, the shop was not a livelihood as much as a welcome pastime, something for an old man to do. His shop and his merchandise was paid for. There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering and repairing a menagerie of his own precious items. He would find things that caught his eye and repair them for sale in his shop.

               He referred to this room as "memory hall". In it were pocket watches, clocks and electric trains. There were miniature steam engines and antique toys made of wood, tin or cast iron and there were various other obsolete trinkets as well. Spending time in memory hall delighted him as he recalled many treasured moments from his past. He handled each item with care and sometimes he would close his eyes and pause to relive a sweet moment in time a simple childhood memory.

               One day, Pappy was working to his hearts content reassembling an old railroad lantern and grinning all the way. As he worked ever so carefully he whistled the melody of a railroad tune and thought of the times he had used one just like it when he was a switchman. It was a typical day at the store. Outside, the sun was shinning bright in a clear blue sky with a slight wind passing through the shop. He loved to have the doors opened and the screen doors letting the crisp air in. As he was polishing his newly restored lantern, he heard the tinkling of his front door bell signaling to him he had a customer. The bell, which produced a uniquely charming resound, had been in Pappy's family for over a hundred years, passed down through the family. He cherished itgreatly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop and asked about it. Although the bell hung on the inside of the front door, Pappy had strung a wire to the screen door also so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not.

               At first, he did not see her. Her shiny, soft curls barely topped the counter. "And how may I help you, little lady?." Pappy's voice was jovial. "Hello sir." The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She was dainty, bashful, and innocent. She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, then slowly scanned the room in search of something special. Shyly she told him, she wanted to buy a present. "Well lets see, Pappy said, "who is this present for." Pappy began to make suggestions. "How about a pocket watch? It's in good condition, I fixed it myself," he said, proudly. The little girl didn't answer, she just kept walking around looking at things then she walked to the doorway and put her hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy's face seemed tp glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.

               "This is it, this is what I want, the little girl bubbled. "Mommy says grandpa loves music." It was right about then that Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her, "I'm sorry, missy that's not for sale, maybe your grandpa would like this radio. The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head and sadly sighed, "no I don't think so". In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for so many years and that's why he couldn't sell it. The little girl looked up at him and with a giant tear in her eye, sweetly said, "I guess I understand, Thank You anyway". Then Pappy thought of how the rest of the family was all gone now, except for his one estranged daughter  whom he hadn't seen in nearly a decade.

               Why not he thought, why not pass it on to someone who will share it with a loved one? God only knows where it will end up anyway when I am gone. "Wait little lady". Pappy spoke just as the little girl was about to go out the door--just as he was hearing that bell ring for the last time, "I've decided to sell the bell and make someone happy". Suddenly Pappy felt good about what he was a bout to do. The little girl began to clap her hands.....Oh, thank you, sir Grandpa will be so happy. You must promise to take good care of this bell for me and he placed the bell into the brown paper bag. She looked up at Pappy with great concern and again almost in a whisper asked, "How much will it cost". How much you got to spend, Pappy said. She pulled out her little change purse and emptied it on the counter. Two dollars and 47 cents. Pappy said, "Well today is your lucky day, that's what it cost".

               Later that evening as Pappy was about to close up the shop, he found himself thinking about that bell. Already he had decided not to put up another one. He thought about the child and wondered if her grandpa liked his gift. Surely he would cherish anything from such a sweet and precious child like her. At that moment, just as he was going to turn off the light in memory hall, Pappy thought he heard his bell. Again, he questioned his sanity; he turned toward the door and there stood the little girl, she was ringing the bell and smiling sweetly. Pappy was puzzled as he strolled toward the child. Where did you come from, did you change your mind. "No" she said, with a grin, "Mommy said it's for you". Before Pappy could say another word, the child's mother stepped into the doorway, and choking back a tear...she gently said, "Hello Dad". This is your grand daughter. The little girl tugged on his shirttail....here's your bell grandpa and here's a hanky to blow your know. Pappy's life was complete, his daughter was back to stay and his new granddaughter was so sweet. He put the old bell back on the door and grinned the whole time. God is great.

              

 

 

[fringe on lamps]

What a wonderful story Heavy-duty!! Made me think of my favorite Grandpa and how much I miss him🌲

[SgtFuryUSCZ]

 Bless you for bringing in this lovely post ! 

[pokerplayer]

Thanks Heavy, that is such an enduring story. You always bring the good stuff   

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