When we think back to our childhood, many of the memories we have probably center around the family home. Although some people may have moved from one location to another, they always had that home-base where they can feel comfortable with their family. In fact, they often refer to it as the ‘family home’ and it is a tradition that is sometimes passed down from one generation to the next. It is a part of our past and in many cases, it shapes who we are today.
Although family homes have always existed, they used to be centred around a farm. Those family farms were more than just a place to live; it was a place to work and a place to grow the food you eat during the year. At times, those family farms would stay with a family for generations and that was the case with David. His family had been farmers for decades and the land that he worked was owned by his ancestors and was eventually passed down from one generation to the next. It seemed as if David would follow the same path. Unfortunately, a relative did not consider everything involved and sold the family farm to someone else.
When the 80-acre farm was sold, David’s family was no longer a part of the family homestead. This really made the entire family upset but David was determined to win it back again.
At one point, the land was up for sale through an auction. David and his father decided that they would save up money to buy the land back.
As the day of the auction was approaching, they spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out how they could afford to buy it. When the auction actually took place, some 200 different farmers were at the auction and David and his father thought they would never be able to afford to buy it back.
That is when the farmers stepped up to the plate and did something nobody was expecting.
When David and his father placed their bid, they took a deep breath and hoped for the best. That is when something fascinating happened. Nobody else tried to put in a bid, and not one single person spoke up. Eventually, the auctioneer had to slam down the gavel and give them the winning bid.
As it turns out, those 200 farmers did not attempt to bid because they wanted the family to get their land back again. David recalls this from the auction: “I’ve had two profoundly humbling days in my life. The first was the day my son was born. The second was that unforgettable day at the auction house.”
This is a great example of human kindness and we could use more of it in the world.
Source: holidaysincornwall.com
