by Jim Stovall
I slept soundly, anticipating a special day ahead.
The following morning found me, once again, enjoying the sunrise on the veranda overlooking Anderson House’s extensive grounds. I sipped my coffee and wondered how many mornings I had sat in this same place contemplating the coming day. Whether it was the seasons of the year, prevailing weather, or simply my own mood, this same view seemed to be unique and different on every occasion.
Downstairs, I was just taking my seat at the breakfast table when Joey entered, pushing young Miss Stephanie’s wheelchair.
I greeted her. “Good morning, Stephanie, and how are you this fine day?”
The reports from the doctors had not been encouraging with respect to her physical therapy and rehabilitation. The thought of this vibrant young person spending the rest of her life in that wheelchair was sobering, but Stephanie seemed not to realize or simply overlooked the inevitable, saying, “Good morning, sir. I’m doing just fine. It’s a great day.”
As I looked at the frail seven-year-old who was bearing burdens more suited for someone much older and much more mature, I realized I had to agree with her. It was, indeed, a great day.
Miss Hastings entered with Jason. They had obviously been sharing a joke or something humorous between them. The two of them had always enjoyed a special relationship. Miss Hastings had believed in Jason when almost no one else—including me—had, and Jason seemed to be encouraged and uplifted by Miss Hastings when no one else could reach him.
Hawthorne and Oscar joined us at the breakfast table. Claudia served a sumptuous breakfast and then took a place at the table herself after everyone had been served.
I was looking forward to hearing from my best friend once again. He was never far from my heart and mind, but being a part of Jason’s sharing of Red’s messages with Joey made me feel like my friend was with me once again.
I greeted everyone and announced we would be discussing the gift of a day that Red Stevens had presented to Jason.
I explained, “I never met anyone who could get more out of a day than Miss Sally. I remember her telling me that if you live every day of your life as if it were your last, someday you would be right, and you would have an amazing experience all of the other days. This has impacted me greatly throughout my life, as I know it will throughout yours.”
I paused to let those powerful words sink in and noticed everyone around the table nodding in agreement and paying rapt attention.
I continued, “As we look back over our lives, we realize that great things come to us on pivotal days. These are days when we meet a new person, find a new opportunity, or simply decide to change our lives by changing our minds.
“Now, I want you to hear from one of the best experts I ever met on how to live a day.”
I nodded to Jason, and he pushed the button on the remote control, bringing Red Stevens’s image and words into the room.
“Jason, I want you to know that as I was contemplating the ultimate gift I wanted to present to you through my will, I spent a lot of time thinking about you. I think you’ve gained a permanent place in my Golden List each morning. I am thankful that you and I share a family heritage, and I sense a spark in you that I have always felt in myself. We are somehow kindred spirits beyond just our family ties.
“As I have been going through the process of creating my will and thinking about my life and my death, I have considered all of the elements in my life that have made it special. I have reviewed many memories, and I carry them with me like a treasure.
“When you face your own mortality, you contemplate how much of life you have lived versus how much you have left. It is like the sand slipping through an hourglass. I know that at some point I will live the last day of my life. I have been thinking about how I would want to live that day or what I would do if I had just one day left to live. I have come to realize that if I can get that picture in my mind of maximizing one day, I will have mastered the essence of living because life is nothing more than a series of days. If we can learn how to live one day to its fullest, our lives will be rich and meaningful.”
As the video faded to black, Jason spoke.
“After Mr. Hamilton shared that video with me for the first time, my assignment was to determine what I would do if I knew it were the last day of my life. That exercise caused me to think about all the ways I used to waste time and just how many precious things someone can pack into a day if they are determined to do so. As time goes by, I continue to think about that lesson, but my priorities change and grow, so the concept of how I would spend my last day here on earth constantly improves.”
I thought about Jason’s ideas surrounding the gift of a day and how the elements of that day might improve. As an idea formed in my mind, I shared it with everyone at the table.
“I realize that each of our ultimate days would contain many activities, but I thought it would be powerful if we would each share just one thing that would be a part of our special day.”
I nodded to Miss Hastings, who, without hesitating, said, “My special day would involve helping others do what they do best. Through the years, I have worked with Mr. Hamilton, assisting many successful and talented clients, but I realized a long time ago that every one of those high-impact people has quality support people alongside them who make it possible for them to do what they do. So my last day on earth, and every day between now and then, should include helping people be their best and do their best.”
I nodded to Miss Hastings and reached out to place my hand on her arm in a gesture that I hoped would convey the gratitude and respect I hold for her.
I nodded toward Jason, and he shared, “My gift of a day would have to include giving away the lessons that my grandfather gave to me through the Ultimate Gift. Because of his generosity, I control an immense trust fund through which I can help organizations and people with basic needs, but I know that unless I can help them understand the priorities in life, contained in the lessons of the Ultimate Gift, all the money in the world won’t make a lasting difference.”
“Jason,” I intoned, “your grandfather would be proud of you, and I know that I am.”
I looked toward Hawthorne inquiringly and asked, “Would you like to share?”
He nodded without hesitation and said, “My best day would involve and does involve helping the guests of Anderson House experience and discover the things they need in their lives to become who they were meant to be. When I do my job well, people have a chance to discover new things and live in better ways.”
I admired the fact that a person whom many people would see as a simple butler or chauffeur could understand the impact his career and his life could have on others.
I nodded to Oscar, and he spoke.
“While it seems like my job is to maintain this wonderful place, which I am privileged to do, all of my best days include learning something I had never known before and teaching people how to learn things for themselves, both now and in the future.”
I thanked Oscar and motioned to Claudia, who said, “My life and my days are meaningful when I serve others and express my love and respect to them through the food I prepare and the way I serve it. Many tremendous people have sat at this very table sharing impactful thoughts and ideas because it was a special occasion. They felt it was a special occasion because I made it special for them.”
I was filled with hope as I turned to Joey and asked, “Son, what thoughts do you have on how you would spend a special day or the last day of your life?”
Joey sighed, hesitated for a moment, then admitted, “I haven’t learned all of the lessons or had all the experiences that the rest of you have had. I realize from your descriptions of how you would spend your ultimate day that I have wasted many days pursuing my own wants and desires. It seems like the more days I spent doing that, the less satisfaction I got from it, so my days were often empty and even boring.”
Joey hesitated. I wasn’t sure if he was done speaking, but I waited a moment and w
as pleased when he continued.
“I’ve spent so many of my days recently working with Stephanie, her family, and the doctors on all of the things that are needed for her treatment. I guess if I was going to spend a special day like the rest of you are talking about, I would probably do something that Stephanie and her family wanted to do.”
Joey looked at me questioningly as if he were unsure whether his answer was acceptable.
I smiled broadly and proclaimed, “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
I wasn’t sure whether I should give Stephanie a chance to speak. I didn’t want to intimidate her in front of a group of adults, but on the other hand, I didn’t want to leave her out.
I will spend the rest of my life being thankful that, on a whim, I turned to Stephanie and asked her to share what she would do on a special day.
Without hesitating and with her youthful innocence, she announced, “I would go to Disney World with my family and all of you. We would do fun things all day, and I would get to meet Mickey Mouse.”
A few rare times in my life, I have spoken without thinking or considering the consequences. Before I was even aware of it, I heard myself saying, “You know, Stephanie, that’s ironic, because my law firm has just established a fund for the sole and singular purpose of providing trips to Disney World for young people like you, along with their families and friends.”
Stephanie cheered and applauded. Everyone else got caught up in the moment and joined in her celebration.
I thanked everyone for a special morning and exchanged handshakes and hugs as everyone left the room.
When Miss Hastings and I were alone, she turned to me with mock surprise, saying, “Mr. Hamilton, I wasn’t aware of this special Disney World fund we had put in place.”
Without emotion, I responded, “It’s a new thing that I have just recently established.”
She pointed out, “Sir, I haven’t even gotten the paperwork on it.”
I laughed and said, “Well, it looks like you’re going to be getting a lot of Disney World paperwork very shortly.”
SEVENTEEN
The Legacy of Love
Regardless of the legacy we receive, love is the legacy we should leave behind.
The next few days and weeks were filled with planning, preparation, and anticipation of the trip to Disney World.
Miss Hastings was, once again, the miracle worker I had come to expect throughout our years together. Schedules were set, reservations were made, and everything was put into motion as the trip approached.
I had spoken with Stephanie’s family and her doctors about their concerns with respect to the stress and exertion of the travel on her delicate condition. We finally got a cautious and somewhat guarded approval from the children’s hospital to take Stephanie on the eagerly anticipated Disney World excursion. One of her doctors shared with me confidentially that he was doubtful whether her therapy and rehabilitation would result in any further improvement.
My greatest worry was about the long trip to Disney World. There would be several layovers involved, and Miss Hastings was having difficulty getting everyone booked on the same flights as it was only a few days before we were to leave.
I was sitting at my desk, contemplating the disaster that a late flight or missed connection could cause, when Miss Hastings buzzed me to let me know that Gus Caldwell was on the phone.
I picked up the receiver and greeted him, and then I heard that familiar booming voice say, “Ted, Gus here. I’ve got a problem that I’m hoping you can help me with.”
I slid a blank legal pad and pen in front of me, preparing to take notes on whatever details made up Gus’s legal problem.
He explained, “As you know, I just bought this newfangled, overpriced jet to make my life more convenient, and now the pilots are bothering me with some noise about how the engines don’t have enough hours on them, and we need to use the plane more. So I thought you could help me out.
“I heard about this little Disney World trip, and you know, Ted, I’ve lived more than eighty years and have never been to Disney World, so whenever Miss Hastings tells me the time is right, I’m gonna have the pilots fire up that contraption, head up there to pick you all up, and then we’ll all be off to Disney World.”
I stammered and stuttered, trying to find a way to express my thanks to Gus, but he interrupted. “Ted, I don’t need any excuses, feedback, or legalese. As long as we’ve been friends, and as much as I’ve paid you to be my lawyer, the least you can do is help me get my pilots calmed down over this jet thing.”
Without any further discussion, he said a quick good-bye and hung up.
I just sat there thinking about how many people were impacted by a simple act of love.
We were all gathered at the private airport awaiting the arrival of Gus and his jet.
Jason, Alexia, and Joey were huddled with Stephanie and her family, excitedly reviewing Disney World travel brochures and everything they wanted to do during the trip.
Miss Hastings and I were conferring with Hawthorne, Oscar, and Claudia to confirm that all of the details of the ongoing operation of the Anderson House during their absence would be handled.
Then, as if on cue, a beautiful silver bird dropped from the clouds and smoothly glided in for a landing. The jet taxied over to where we were waiting, and as the engines wound down, Gus opened the door and stood at the top of the stairs to greet everyone.
“Welcome to Disney World Express. All aboard!” he called.
That night, we had a special dinner at the house Miss Hastings had reserved for us on the Disney World property. Everyone had their own room or suite, but there was a community area where we could all gather for meals or recreation.
Just as if we were at Anderson House, Claudia took control of all of the preparations and prepared a magnificent dinner. Hawthorne and Oscar took care of each minute detail to ensure everything would be perfect.
As I approached the dinner table, Stephanie’s mother whispered to me that Stephanie wanted to say grace before we ate.
After all of us were settled in our places, I thanked each person around the table for all that they had done to make this trip possible, then I nodded to Stephanie. She asked everyone to bow their heads.
She prayed, “Dear God, I want to thank You for loving us and helping us to love each other. And I want to thank You for making this part of my dream come true. Amen.”
A few tears were wiped away as we settled in to enjoy a magnificent dinner.
After Claudia’s dessert had been consumed and everyone assured her they couldn’t eat another bite, Jason asked for everyone’s attention and said, “I thought this would be an appropriate time to share the last lesson my grandfather gave me.”
Hawthorne lowered the lights, and Jason pushed the remote control for the DVD player and the large screen on the side wall of the community area.
I eagerly watched my friend appear before our eyes to share his final lesson.
“Jason, in this last month, I’m going to introduce you to the one part of my ultimate gift that encompasses all of the other gifts as well as everything good you will ever do, have, or know in your life. That is the gift of love.
“Anything good, honorable, and desirable in life is based on love. Anything bad or evil is simply life without the love involved. Love is a misused and overused term in our society. It is applied to any number of frivolous things and pursuits, but the love I am talking about in the gift of love is the goodness that comes only from God. Not everyone believes or acknowledges that. And that’s okay. I still know that real love comes from Him—whether or not we know it.
“Jason, we’ve come a long way in this ultimate gift. I want you to know, above all, that in spite of all the mistakes I made and the many times I failed you, that Jason Stevens, your grandfather loved you.”
The room fell silent, and Jason spoke through the tears that had formed in his eyes. “I want to thank you all for sharing that very special lesson
with me, and I want to express my love to each of you for making my life all that it is.”
We enjoyed the fireworks that Disney World presents each night over the lake, and we shared thoughts, dreams, and gratitude about the love that surrounded this whole enterprise far into the night.
Eventually, everyone drifted off to their accommodations to enjoy a good night’s rest.
The next morning, we gathered around the table for breakfast. I was eagerly anticipating the surprise that Miss Hastings had arranged for Stephanie. I hoped that it would be a special memory she would hold on to for the rest of her life. Little did I know it would be so much more than that for all of us.
Claudia prepared and served a culinary masterpiece, as she did every day at Anderson House. I wasn’t sure how she had made arrangements to re-create the special dishes she prepared in her own kitchen when she was hundreds of miles from home.
As everyone finished breakfast and I enjoyed my second or possibly third cup of coffee, Miss Hastings gave me a clandestine signal.
I tapped my spoon against my water glass to get everyone’s attention and proclaimed, “Many years ago, my friend Red Stevens and Sally May Anderson introduced me to Walt Disney. One need look no further than this incredible place to understand what kind of magical person he truly was. That fertile mind created many special characters that have become an indelible part of our lives. One of them is here this morning and asked if he could meet Stephanie.”
Stephanie’s eyes grew wide, and she glanced around the room eagerly.
I offered a formal introduction. “Friends, loved ones, and especially Miss Stephanie, please welcome Mickey Mouse.”
The world’s most famous rodent bounded into the room, greeting everyone around the table amidst laughter, cheers, and applause. He stopped in front of Stephanie and bowed.
Without thinking, and before anyone else realized what was happening, Stephanie rose from her wheelchair, took two halting steps, and fell into the welcoming arms of Mickey Mouse for a long-awaited and never-to-be-forgotten hug.
