The little money I have, that is my wealth; but things I have for which I would not take money, that is my treasure. — Robert Brault.
One of my many part-time jobs during law school was being a campus cop. It’s a long story how my first experience in law enforcement was being an often hated campus cop who ticketed students for parking violations. Nevertheless, while I patrolled the streets and walkways of the U of A campus, a fellow campus cop shared some wisdom that stuck with me for over fifty years.
His name was McSherry, and he had been a campus cop for most of his life. We were driving around campus late at night, and I was complaining about being a broke law student. McSherry said to me, “Hubbell, how much would you take for your new born son?” I said, “Not even a million dollars would I take for Walter. There’s no amount of money on earth would I take for him. He is priceless.” McSherry then said the words that I’ve carried with me to this day, “Then don’t tell me you aren’t a wealthy man.”
Robert Brault’s words reminded me of McSherry. We spend too much time on earth seeking wealth, and too little time enjoying our treasures.
Webb, I love this vignette. McSherry’s point is right on target. It seems as if the world has lost sight of what constitutes wealth. Here’s my poem that came in third in the Poetry X Hunger (Food and Agriculture Org. of the UN) competition earlier this week. https://www.dropbox.com/s/2xcttonybfpxdew/Over-Abundance.docx?dl=0
Thanks so much Anne. I love your poem and I love all your poetry. Did I tell you that Kelley has returned to Asheville and is working there now. The mountains run deep in her blood. All my best to you and Fred. Love. Webb.