The Pearl and the Guitar

In a park on an old dreary day, the poor old guitarist sits and strums on his beloved instrument. A young woman, who comes from a wealthy family, walks by as she is dressed in pearls. She heard the sound of the music and stopped by to see the guitarist play. “Where did you ever learn to play such beautiful music?” asked the woman. The old man smiled and said,”My father taught me when I was a young lad. He was such a talented musician. I used to just sit and stare at him as he played and then one day he taught me.” The woman gave a slightly sad look and said,”That was like me with my mother in the kitchen. I wanted to learn and do everything she did.” “Do you still cook with your mother?” asked the old man. “No, she passed on. But one day I will teach my children just as she taught me.” she said hopeful. The old man let out a cough. The woman realized he was wearing nothing but old scraps in the winter time. “Don't you have anywhere to be, young lady? It's too cold for you to be out here listening to an old man like me.” he laughed. “What about you, sir. Don't you have anywhere to go?” With a big grin he said,”This right here is where I have to be. It may not be a fancy house and I may not have fancy clothes, but I do have my music and I have my memories with my family. That is all I need in life.” The old man then continued strumming on his guitar again. The woman dressed in pearls started to walk away when she saw his guitar case open. She stopped and thought of what she could give him. She then took out her pearl earring that had been worth thousands of dollars and placed them in him guitar case, then she went on home.