Theme:
Solidarity /
Prayer
The jalopy of affection
Old Eurico had a jalopy. Twenty-six years ago from now,
he was using it for work and to do for a living.
In fact, the two get old together and became inseparable
companions. Mr. Eurico lived in a hostel, in the
country, and barely earn enough to live. He liked to
work, he was happy to be useful, but he often didn’t
receive or charged very little just to not to leave who
needed his services.
Despite his financial difficulties, he always payed the
expenses of the car: gasoline, lubricants, taxes etc.
This year, however, the situation got worse. The last
day to pay the car tax was coming and he didn’t make
enough money. Mr. Eurico prayed asking God for a
solution.
Mr. Eurico waited as much as possible, always hoping to
get the money. However, it didn’t happen. So, in the day
before the deadline for payment, he cleaned and waxed
the old car for the last time and went to the office of
an auctioneer. Told the man his story and the motive
that forced him to sell the old car.
Combined all the details, Mr. Eurico delivered the car
and came home. Not even the relief of lacking of worries
about money diminished the sadness of get rid of his
jalopy. On the contrary, he thought how difficult it
would be not having the vehicle to work.
On the day of the auction, the room was filled with
buyers. They were wealthy people, in desire to do good
business. The objects were sold one after the other,
until it was time to auction Mr. Eurico's car.
To everyone's surprise instead of the auctioneer present
the technical features and ask for offers for the
vehicle, as usual, he started telling how he was touched
by the history of a working man, already old, who looked
for him. He said that, more than selling the car, he
really needed help. To conclude, although it was a bit
afraid of the audience's reaction, he proposed:
- Instead one of you, sirs, buy the car, would you be
willing to get together to pay the tax and then help the
owner?
The audience was silenced. People looked at each other.
One or two of ladies wiped away their tears. Then a man
raised his hand:
- I'll pay half the tax - he said.
- I’ll pay the other half - said another immediately.
- Thank you very much! - said the auctioneer,
contentedly. - I know the owner will be...
And before he finished the sentence, someone said:
- As the colleagues have been willing to pay the tax,
I’ll collaborate buying new tires to replace those
already worn.
Got into the great spirit of cooperation that surrounds
the moment, others also made offers, donating money to
fill the gas tank, checking the brakes, replacing the
battery and replacing some broken pieces.
The auctioneer was grateful. The benefit was much higher
than expected. In the end, emotion and joy took over.
In a few days, the car was totally improved.
When the auctioneer took the vehicle to the residence of
Mr. Eurico and told him what he had done, the old male
men barely contain the tears, thrilled with so much
kindness. He looked up gratefully to God, because nor in
his prayers he had asked so much. He felt the happiest
man in town. The auctioneer and all who helped were very
happy.
The story could only end like that. The happiness that
we offer to a person, it comes back to us in the same
way.
Adaptation of a text by Candida Chirello.
Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com
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