The Golden Boy

So there was this boy – a golden boy – who played his sweet music throughout the valley. He strummed the strings of his wonderful bass up and down the dale and through the winding woods. Those who listened to his music were enchanted by it and followed him wherever he went just to hear his lively tunes.

One day, he came upon a high high mountain. It was surrounded by jagged boulders and dangerous passes. A waterfall cascaded down its face from an opening high above the clouds. Behind the water was a giant boulder. To reach the mountain, one would have to climb the stones which were too slippery for a foot to hold. The road going back the way he had come was blocked by the river “Time Gone By.” There was nothing left for him to do but to find a way over the mountain or else spend his days locked in the woods playing the same tune over and over. As he stood there pondering this problem that seemed insurmountable, his lyrical music stopped and silence fell over the crowd. Just then a songbird sang a haunting song and from behind the waterfall there came a wizardess.

“I am looking for the golden boy,” she said. “I hold the secret to the key to the mystical tunnel that is laden with gold and silver, which is behind this heavy stone and which will lead those who enter it through the mountain. Who are you?”

“I am Snaggle Tooth,” he said because he was caught off guard.

“Then find the golden boy and send him to me,” she said and disappeared behind the waterfall.

Just then, the boy bent to drink from the water in the pool and saw his reflection. The sunlight slicing through the forest glen glanced off of his hair filling it with golden sparkles. “Wizardess!” he called, “I am the golden boy.”

Once again, she appeared and taking his chin in her hands, gazed into his eyes. “Oooo,” she said. “Golden boy, the key to the tunnel is knowledge.” And once again, she disappeared behind the falling waters.

“Wizardess come back!” he pleaded. “Tell me where to find it!”

Just then, her voice floated over the waters, “If you wish to find the key and enter the mystical cave, you must prove that you have courage and that you understand the meaning of the life journey. For this you must answer three questions. But if you fail, you will remain here until the end of time. Tell me. Do you think that you are ready for the challenge?”

“I am ready,” he insisted because he wanted to go beyond the mountain to a world that he had yet to know.

This time the wizardess appeared before him with a golden cup from which she drew out three slips of paper. She looked deep into his eyes and when she spoke, her words were firm. “The essence of life is love. Question number one: There is a black dog with a big heart waiting for you from your childhood. He is love. What is his name?”

“King!” the boy shouted gleefully.

“You are correct,” said the wizardess.

“The journey of life exists in time. Question number two: There is a place that is ancient, yet constant. It is a time constancy. What is the name of the 5ᵗʰ planet from the sun?”

“Jupiter!” He replied.

“Correct again. Now for the hardest one but the most important one for it comes from the one who holds the spirit of determination and fair play in his hands for you. Life is driven solely by spirit. Question number 3: What is the full name of the man who went by the name “Sweet Old Bill?”

“That is easy,” the boy shouted. “The man was Wilmer Vaun Ward, my beloved grandfather!”

“Now that you have found the key (and she handed him the golden key of knowledge) and you have answered the three life questions of love, time, and spirit, you have earned the privilege of being the keeper of the three secrets that I hold in my hand. Carry them with you always and use them whenever you are faced with hard decisions. She placed three small golden coins in his palm. Upon each of them was engraved a P.

“These three coins are talismans to remind you to always have Perseverance, Pride in good works, and Patience with all whom you meet and all tasks that are set before you. Without them, you will lose the path along your journey. Carry them with reverence and keep them safe within you. Beware, for there are people and things that will attempt to take them from you.

Just then, the waterfall stopped its cascade. The giant stone suddenly swung open to reveal a chamber within the mountain. The light coming from within burst out with such brilliance that the boy was blinded at first. Gold and silver and precious stones produced a rainbow in the forest. Suddenly the air was filled with songbirds with their enchanting music. Grasping the key tightly in his fist and placing the coins in their pouch next to his heart, the boy turned to bid the wizardess farewell. But she had vanished. In her place was a small boat with an oarsman who beckoned to him to climb aboard.

As his eyes became accustomed to the dazzling sight, he saw that he was being transported into a place of endless opportunities and vastness. He felt the gentle rock of the waves as the oarsman skillfully guided the craft into the mystical cave. He then gently placed the boy on the shore and giving him a gentle but loving shove whispered in his ear, “Go my son, live the best life. Don’t tarry, but hurry to grab the challenge for time is fleeing. Never fear for you have within you all that you need for the journey.” And as the boy turned to look, the oarsman and his craft vanished into the still air. As the vision shattered, the boy thought he heard a familiar chuckle. And then silence.

He looked about him. The mystical cave had always existed but he thought, “Why have I never known about it?” And then he remembered the words of the wizardess: “Only those that have courage and that understand the meaning of the life journey will ever find it.” The mystical cave expanded even as he watched as new knowledge grew like stalagmites from old and hardened into dazzling jewels of opportunities and treasures. He knew that even if he spent his lifetime searching, he would still never have time to explore each cavern, each gulley, and each mystery that filled this place. Without a pause, he struck out to explore the wonders before him in the cave and through the tunnel under the mountain and beyond. After all he had the key and the three talismans. He was good.

April 20, 2009

Dear Hank – Happy 3rd Birthday! A couple of years ago, I called you on the phone and told you that I was the Wizardess and that I was looking for the Golden Boy and then I asked you who you were. When you said that you were Snaggle Tooth, I told you to find the Golden Boy and bring him to me. Then I hung up.

Moments later, you called me back and we were off on the quest for the golden key that unlocks the mystery to the life journey.

I didn’t realize it then but later I saw that I had spun this tale around the number 3 (questions - talismans) and the amazing cave of wonders that only opens up to those with knowledge. The journey that you have taken during the past three years has been fraught with boulders and road blocks but you never gave up and here you on the top of the 3rd mountain! Please take these three gold coins – you have earned them. They represent “Perseverance, Pride in good works, and Patience with all whom you meet and all tasks that are set before you.” Just as the wizardess told you, “Carry them with you always and use them whenever you are faced with hard decisions.” They will be your talismans as you begin your journey to the top of Mountain Four. “After all, you have the key and the three talismans. You’re good!”

You are truly an amazing man. I can almost hear the sound of all of the Irishmen who have gone before you cheering you on with gusto – a couple of them are cheering the loudest!

I love you and I want to celebrate with you this your Happy 3rd Birthday!!