The Ultimate Life

by Jim Stovall

  I pounded my gavel and ruled, “Well, I do find that he met both the spirit and the letter set forth in the document, and if during the next thirty days Jason Stevens can demonstrate he can pass along The Gift of Money to others, this portion of the case will be duly resolved. Court is adjourned.”

  Back in my chambers, Red Stevens spoke to me from the DVD just as he had spoken to Jason about The Gift of Money.

  “Today, we are going to talk about what may, indeed, be the most misunderstood commodity in the world. That is, money. There is absolutely nothing that can replace money in the things that money does, but regarding the rest of the things in the world, money is absolutely useless.

  “For example, all the money in the world won’t buy you one more day of life. That’s why you’re watching this videotape right now. And it’s important to realize that money will not make you happy. I hasten to add that poverty will not make you happy either. I have been rich, and I have been poor—and all other things being equal—rich is better.

  “Jason, you have no idea or concept of the value of money. That is not your fault. That is my fault. But I am hoping in the next thirty days you can begin to understand what money means in the lives of real people in the real world. More of the violence, anxiety, divorce, and mistrust in the world is caused by misunderstanding money than any other factor. These are concepts that are foreign to you because money to you has always seemed like the air you breathe. There’s always more. All you have to do is take the next breath.

  “I know that you have always flashed around a lot of money and spent it frivolously. I take the responsibility for this situation because I deprived you of the privilege of understanding the fair exchange between work and money.”

  They were lined up along the wall, shoulder to shoulder, across the back of my courtroom. They were lined up along either side of the gallery from the back of the room to the front. There were three sides of a perimeter made up of all shapes, sizes, and descriptions of young women.

  A month had come and gone quickly since I had sent Jason Stevens out to prove himself regarding The Gift of Money. I had called the court to order and, like everyone else present, was curious about the gathering of young women, but before I could make any inquiries, predictably, Dudly spoke.

  “Your Honor, I object. What kind of outrageous display or grandstanding tactic of opposing counsel is this?” Dudly gestured to either side then behind as he continued. “My clients and I would like to know the meaning of this.”

  I shrugged and commented, “I would like to know the meaning of this as well.”

  Hamilton chuckled and spoke. “Your Honor, I know the meaning of this but feel it would be best explained by my client.”

  Jason took the stand. Hamilton approached as he asked, “Jason, would you like to inform everyone about the gathering of young ladies lined up around the courtroom today?”

  Jason smiled shyly and replied, “I didn’t tell them to come here.”

  Dudly blurted out his objection. “Your Honor, are we to believe that Jason Stevens had nothing to do with this gathering?”

  Jason continued as he glanced up at me. “Well, I know who they are, and I know why they’re here, but I didn’t tell them to come.”

  Hamilton encouraged Jason, asking, “Can you tell us, then, who they are?”

  Jason looked at the ring of young ladies around the room and began. “I heard in a news story that single mothers are among the most financially disadvantaged people in our society. So I went around in some low-income areas—through day-care centers, schools, community centers, and low-income housing—and found a number of single moms. I asked them about their specific needs, and …” Jason seemed to struggle for the right words.

  “Well, I guess we came up with sort of a program.”

  Hamilton smiled and asked, “Can you tell us about this program?”

  Jason continued. “Well, the first and biggest problem seemed to be that they are spending a lot of money on day care, and they don’t have enough time with their kids. So we came up with a day-care co-op where the mothers take care of one another’s children while they’re trading off working day shifts, night shifts, and weekends. This gives them more time with their kids and saves a lot of money on day care.”

  Hamilton nodded for Jason to continue.

  “Next, we got them all wills, guardianship power of attorney documents, and all of the things that single moms running a household would need. We helped them shift high-interest credit card debts to lower interest cards, and a lot of them just got rid of credit cards all together. We’ve started financial classes where we bring in volunteer experts from the community to help them learn about managing money and moving ahead in their careers and lives.”

  Hamilton was beaming. He gave a thumbs-up gesture to Jason, turned, and actually bowed to Mr. Dudly, announcing, “Your witness, Counselor.”

  Dudly stalked Jason, who leaned back in his chair defensively. Dudly attacked. “Mr. Stevens, what if anything qualifies you to help these young women or anyone with legal documents, credit problems, or financial planning?”

  Jason shrugged and said, “Really, nothing at all. Mr. Watkins and Miss Hastings helped out.”

  Jason nodded toward the counsel table.

  Dudly glared up at me and declared, “Your Honor, Jason Stevens didn’t help anyone with money. He got other people to do it for him. He’s simply not qualified to …”

  The pounding of my gavel interrupted Mr. Dudly.

  “Mr. Dudly, it is a long-recognized fact in our society that people who need to accomplish complex or specialized tasks seek the expertise of others. This is why firms such as Dudly, Cheetham, and Leech exist.”

  I gazed at the long line of young ladies ringing my courtroom. They were clean and presentable, but the cost of their combined wardrobes would not have paid for one of the outfits worn by the Stevens clan seated behind Dudly. But the women somehow seemed to have a pride and dignity I couldn’t quite define. Maybe it was simply hope.

  I looked down at my court reporter, Scott, and stated, “Let the record show that Mr. Stevens has duly and admirably completed all tasks to this court’s satisfaction with regard to The Gift of Money.”

  A hearty cheer rose from all sides of my courtroom. I couldn’t bring myself to pound my gavel for order.

  I looked at Hamilton and Dudly, in turn, and declared, “Gentlemen, tomorrow is another day. Court is dismissed.”

  No one can be considered a failure who has a friend, and no one can be considered a success without one.

  Five

  THE LIFE OF FRIENDS

  The media coverage that I hoped would die down was, instead, accelerating. Images of the young single mothers lined up around my courtroom were inescapable on television and in the print media.

  I sought legal precedent for high-profile cases of this nature that would be carried out over an entire year or more. Unfortunately, there was no precedent, so I had the dubious honor of breaking new legal ground.

  One of my favorite nightly news interview programs featured Mr. Dudly and Red Stevens’ younger son Bill. The program captured my attention before I could change the channel.

  Bill first stated innocently that this case wasn’t about the money. Along with phrases like “The check’s in the mail” and “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you,” the phrase “It’s not about the money” must be prominent in the Liar’s Hall of Fame somewhere. More than four decades on the bench have taught me “It’s always about the money.”

  The host of my favorite nightly news interview program failed to press Bill on the money issue and let him ramble on about what a worthless, irresponsible playboy Jason Stevens had been his whole life and how the rest of the family was regrettably forced to come together to fight Jason in
court so that they could each receive their legitimate inheritance.

  Bill explained, “Depriving rightful heirs of the fruit of our beloved father’s efforts—to give it over to someone like Jason—simply cannot be allowed, no matter how much time and money it takes to stop this injustice.”

  The host asked, “Bill, are you concerned that you’ve lost the first two phases of this twelve-step case?”

  Bill waved his hand dismissively and quipped, “No, it’s no big deal, because it’s like we have twelve hurdles. Jason and his old lawyer have to get over all twelve of the hurdles in order to win. We, the rightful heirs, only have to win one hurdle in order to get our inheritance.”

  As the program was drawing to a close, the host inquired, “Mr. Stevens, are you concerned that if you lose this case you not only don’t get Jason Stevens’ portion of the estate, but you lose everything you had previously inherited? Wouldn’t this leave you and your family penniless?”

  Bill chuckled nervously. The hot TV lights seemed to be causing him to perspire at that very moment. He cleared his throat and croaked, “We are very confident, with the able help of Mr. Dudly, that justice will be served.”

  The theme music for the show began playing, signaling the end of the program. The interview had reminded me that it was, indeed, a long road ahead with many potential hazards along the way. And Jason’s position reminded me that the hunter can make many mistakes but the hunted can make only one.

  My bailiffs, Jim and Paul, stopped me in the corridor. We didn’t get to speak very often considering that we worked in the same room all day, every day.

  Jim blurted out, “We’re sorry.”

  I must have appeared not to understand as Paul explained, “We should have done something about those women or told you before court began.”

  I patted them both on the shoulder and said, “Gentlemen, it’s a public building and an open court. No explanations necessary.”

  I laughed as I voiced my thoughts. “Somehow, I fear the atmosphere will be lacking in the courtroom today.”

  Indeed, as I entered the courtroom and took my place, although the courtroom was packed, the long line of young women was no longer in evidence. It had been a sight I would not soon forget.

  I rapped my gavel, took a deep breath, and began. “Today, we will be exploring The Gift of Friends.”

  I looked at Theodore J. Hamilton and inquired, “Counselor, are you prepared?”

  I smiled to myself as I thought, Asking Theodore J. Hamilton “Are you prepared?” is like asking a hungry lion if he would like to eat.

  Hamilton simply nodded, and Jason took the stand.

  Then, Hamilton inquired, “Jason, would you tell the court what you learned from your grandfather about friendship?”

  Jason licked his lips, took a deep breath, and began. “I had never understood the real definition of a friend or the depth of friendship before my grandfather gave me The Gift of Friends.”

  Jason seemed to be struggling with his thoughts as Hamilton nodded for him to continue.

  “I guess a friend is someone you can count on, no matter what happens. They applaud the best things you do and accept the worst things you do.”

  Hamilton proceeded, “During the month that Red Stevens taught you about The Gift of Money, you went out and met someone that you had never been introduced to before, and you subsequently became friends.”

  Jason nodded and said, “Yes.”

  Hamilton continued, “Are you still friends to this day?”

  Jason nodded and said, “Yes. We don’t talk as often as we’d like, but we are friends.”

  Hamilton looked up at me and said, “Your Honor, I believe this does accomplish everything Red Stevens set forth in The Gift of Friends. There is simply nothing more or less required of a friend.”

  Mr. Hamilton returned to his seat as Mr. Dudly inevitably rose. “Your Honor, if I may.”

  I nodded at the unavoidable situation.

  Dudly continued, “We have a few questions. Jason, you reportedly met a young man named Brian when you were asked to demonstrate The Gift of Money.”

  Jason nodded and replied, “Correct.”

  Dudly smiled conspiratorially and asked, “Would you please tell the court the circumstances under which you met Brian and how you became friends?”

  Jason shrugged and began. “I was driving away from Mr. Hamilton’s office after I had watched the video made by my grandfather telling me about The Gift of Money. His words and examples had really affected me. Then I noticed a car stalled at the edge of the road. I pulled over, and that was how I met Brian. I helped him get a new engine, and we began to talk and do things together, and now we’re friends.”

  Mr. Dudly laughed out loud and said, “Let me get this straight. You found someone broken down at the side of the road, you bought him a new engine, and you think you have a friend.”

  Jason nodded and stared directly at Dudly, replying, “Yes, sir. I do.”

  Dudly inquired, “Jason, have you ever had a friend in your life that you didn’t give your grandfather’s money to or whom you didn’t buy things for?”

  Jason answered, “Well, there was Emily.”

  Dudly appeared reverent as he asked, “Are you referring to the late daughter of your fiancée?”

  Jason answered, “Yes.”

  Dudly glanced at me and at Alexia seated at the counsel table. “With all due respect, I believe that would be classified as more of a family relationship.”

  Dudly shifted like a chameleon. “So, Jason, back to my question. Have you ever had a friend in your life that you didn’t give your grandfather’s money to or whom you didn’t buy things for?”

  Jason seemed to think back into his past, then he shook his head and said, “No, thanks to my grandfather I always had a lot of money, so I always bought things and helped my friends out.”

  “And that’s the same way you met Brian?” Dudly asked.

  Jason replied, “Well, I guess so.”

  Dudly shot back, “How many of these friends have you seen and how many have contacted you since all of your grandfather’s assets were frozen?”

  Jason looked down at the floor and said, “Well, not really any.”

  Dudly appeared triumphant and declared, “Witness dismissed. Your Honor, anyone would act like a friend as long as someone was giving them money, paying their expenses, and buying them things. This is not the definition of a friend nor does it meet the criteria set forth in the last will and testament of Red Stevens.”

  Hamilton blurted out, “Your Honor, we object to counsel’s assertion that having money or sharing money necessarily eliminates the elements of a true and lasting friendship. You can’t buy a friend with money, nor can you lose their friendship simply because you’ve shared what you have.”

  I was torn. Both Hamilton and Dudly had scored significant points. The evidence was not overwhelming as it had been in The Gift of Work and The Gift of Money.

  I took a deep breath stalling for time, and then I remembered old Judge Eldridge’s words: Never make any decision before you have to.

  I smiled and mentally thanked my mentor for the thousandth time and spoke: “At this time, the court does not find evidence to conclusively support the fact that Jason Stevens has mastered The Gift of Friends.”

  A cacophony of shouts, whistles, and cheers rose from the assorted Stevens clan arrayed behind Dudly. I pounded my gavel mercilessly and glared at them until the silence of a tomb descended.

  I growled, “Counselor, inform your clients that we will have order in this court. This is not a football game or even a polo match.”

  I let the silence draw out before I continued. “On the other hand, the court finds no conclusive evidence to demonstrate that the friendships formed by Jason Stevens are not legiti
mate; therefore, the court will reserve judgment and hope the evidence will be more clear in thirty days when Mr. Stevens can demonstrate that he has the ability to not only make friends but pass along The Gift of Friends to others.

  “This court is adjourned.”

  In my chambers, I gazed at the many photos on the wall. There were pictures from law school and a number of photos with associates and colleagues. I wondered how many, if any, of these people would meet the courtroom criteria of a friend. I was hoping for clarity and inspiration as I slid the DVD labeled The Gift of Friends into the player.

  Red Stevens appeared as if he had always been there and always would be. He spoke. “Friend is a word that is thrown around far too easily by people who don’t know the meaning of it. Today, people call everyone they know their friend. Young man, you’re lucky if you live as long as I have and can count your real friends on the fingers of both hands.

  “I am now going to share a story with you, Jason, that I promised I would never tell as long as I lived. Since you are watching this after my death, and in the presence of the one whom I promised, I feel comfortable sharing it. As you know, I lived past my seventy-fifth birthday and enjoyed what to most people was a long and healthy life. But this was not always a sure thing.

  “I remember when I had just turned thirty-eight years old and was hospitalized with an extreme fever. The doctors weren’t sure what was wrong with me, so they brought in every specialist from across the country. Finally, I was diagnosed as having a rare kidney disease, which was incurable. The only hope they gave me was a new procedure called a kidney transplant.

  “You’ve got to realize that this was unheard of at that time, and donors were not readily available as they are today. I called Mr. Hamilton, who has always acted as my attorney, and told him we would need to start a nationwide search to find a kidney. I was very frightened because the specialist had told me that without the transplant I might not have more than a few weeks. You can imagine my relief when Mr. Hamilton called me two days later and told me he had located a kidney on the East Coast.