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As Theo rumbled down the country road to catch his cousin
Victor at his business, he prayed incessantly.
OhpleaseOhplease, Dear Lord…
Victor waited, clearly watching for Theo, his spirit battered by now. Cell
phones are marvelous things he thought as Theo braked in front. There was urgency in Theo’s step, and some in
Victor’s stance.
Theo pulled a business card from his wallet and held it out as
they shook hands. “Does this offer still
stand?” Theo gulped. “My barn was blown
to pieces, and I need this….”
Victor’s eyes widened, assessing if this was a true offer. He credited Theo for the strength it took to come there. “You
mean this? Really? You want to sell?”
Theo nodded with determination. “I gotta do this. I ain’t got a choice…Does the original offer
still hold?” Oh, please say it does!
“Here, sit down,” Victor replied, pulling over a leather
chair. “I’ll make the call, ask him if
it the offer stands.” Victor made the
call, spoke briefly, and his eyes widened as he made a thumbs-up.
Theo relaxed for the first time since the windy storm had crossed over his farm. He released a deep breath.
Victor jumped up, placing his hands of the desk.
“He’ll give you fifty
more! Think what this means! $160,000!”
Dropping his head between his knees, spots and stars floated in darkness.
Dropping his head between his knees, spots and stars floated in darkness.
“He already has a buyer, some fancy dancy designer up in Chicago. Been waiting for one of those barns in your
county to tumble down! He's been putting together a collection of old reclaimed timbers for a year now. ***
Who knew some
rich person wanted the 'country touch' in their mansion. ### Gol’durn. You’re going to be okay, Theo. That designer is already putting together a
crew and eighteen wheeler to take that wood away in the next day or so."
Victor heard the sobbing and relief in Ellen’s voice when
Theo called with the news.
In the sunny week that followed, from the old growth American
chestnut, white oak, black walnut, pine timbers, planks and, hand-carved pegs
that had held the structure together since 1840... the hand-hewed timbers were chosen.
The collection embraced the history, decades, and lives which the barn had sheltered.
Then the old barn was driven away.
The collection embraced the history, decades, and lives which the barn had sheltered.
Then the old barn was driven away.
The designer handed Theo a cashier’s check, wished him well,
and followed the truck back to Chicago. Victor stood on the concrete porch with
Theo and Ellen. “You’re gonna be okay,
Theo. Okay…”
Theo nodded, finally seeing a brighter future. Ellen whispered, “Okay…we’re gonna be okay.” She saw, with a sudden clarity, her husband's courage.
***Elmwood
Our old barn was taken down in the 1970s, before the trend to purchase the reclaimed wood began. At that time, the barn was wafting in the wind. It was sadly burned to the ground when it lay in pieces.
