A History Lesson from The Treasure Chest

I am the youngest of four children. Both my parents were in their early forties when I came kicking and screaming into the world. By that time, my older brothers and sister were well on their way; the eldest was no more to me than a picture on the mantle. The age gap between me and my parents was just that: a distance. Consequently, my knowledge of my parents’ earlier years was limited, as were our conversations on the topic. I was left to draw my own conclusions about how my dad navigated his way to become a successful adman in our small hometown.

Those conclusions were tossed aside when, sorting through my deceased parents’ personal effects, I came across what I now call the Treasure Chest. A dusty box was filled with correspondence between my mom and dad told a story of struggle and perseverance. The box also contained around a hundred article clippings and small publications bookmarked at my dad’s writings. The following is an essay he wrote anonymously for “Daily Medications,” published by the Mayan Group in Texas. It opened my eyes.

THANKS

Did You Ever Thank God For A Handicap? The Author Of This Unusual Article Does Just That.

This isn’t really an article at all. It’s a roundabout note of thanks to God. Perhaps, looking at it in that light, you won’t object to my anonymity any more than you…