Long Way To Texas

In November of this year my dad died, and I had no way to get back to Texas to lay him to rest. On Friday morning after my dad’s death, my step-brother called and said he was heading to the airport to buy a round-trip ticket to Texas for me. I waited until 4:30 PM when he called back and said a round-trip ticket cost too much for him to pay alone and there was no other family member that could help with the cost. I was standing on my corner at 7th and E St NW, when one of my many friends came to see me. His name is Craig Moore, a top-notch lawyer from Providence, RI, who I think was a barroom brawler some time in his life before he became a lawyer! He asked how things were going as he shook my hand with a firm grip. I told him about my old man dying, and he looked me in the eyes.  “Do you want to go see him again before he goes in the ground?” he asked me.  I knew by his handshake that his words were sincere. Craig said, “Ivory, I’m late for a meeting, but I’ll be back to see you.” I knew he was coming back. Before 6:00 p.m. he was back, and after he had his coffee he took me across the street to his home where I met his beautiful wife, Ann Moore. They went online and paid for a round-trip ticket to Texas plus gave me some spending money for my trip. Not only did they buy me a plane ticket, but they drove me to BWI in their hot rod Mustang and picked me up when I returned. Now you may wonder what they asked for in return – nothing! It was a gift – what a gift!