A Sister’s Love

This is a true story told to me by a dear friend. Wayne and I were in the military together some 35 years ago. Wayne is a mechanic and I was a Canadian Forces photographer. We were both posted to CFB Green wood in Nova Scotia Canada. We both had a common interest in old cars , music and good rum . Together we had rented a house off base along with two other military friends . To say we were young and some what irresponsible would be an understatement . I left the military and Wayne was posted away so for a few years we drifted apart but during our time together in Green Wood I had made a trip home with Wayne to Hazel Hill in Guys borough county and met his family including his lovely sister Judy , his brothers and his mum and dad . All were musical and could sing and play the guitar . Talk about a kitchen party ! I never forgot that trip to Hazel Hill and Wayne’s wonderful family .

Some time passed and my younger brother Ron joined the military and by shear coincidence he ended up being posted to CFB Gage town in New Brunswick . I had heard that Wayne was there and told Ron to be sure and look up Wayne and see if his little finger still went crooked when he played the guitar after he drank too much rum . Ron and Wayne connected and Wayne became as good a friend to Ron as he had been to me . Many times Ron would stay with Wayne and his wife Phyllis when he was in no shape to drive home. I knew Ron was in good hands with Wayne .

Ron left the military and Wayne and I would talk on the phone from time to time . The years flew and Wayne left the military and moved back to Hazel Hill but work was scarce with the closing of the fish plant in Canso and Wayne ended up back in Gage Town working as a civilian for the military . The last five years have been tough for us both as both Wayne’s parents passed away and he had lost a brother . I lost my brother Rog and my brother Ron has been bed ridden with a brain injury for four years. Sad times but as a friend Wayne came to visit me. We spent the night and consoled each other with fond memories of the past . When he left I promised to try and get up to visit him in Gage town . It took me two years . I was booked for an appraisal course in Fredericton near Gage Town and I spent an evening with my good friend who told me this story.

Wayne’s sister was a great singer and guitar player. When she was about 17 years old Wayne gave her his Gibson guitar and never could really afford another one . Wayne loved his sister and never thought it was any great thing because that’s the kind of guy he was . Now most guitar players would die before parting with their Gibson and I have never been able to buy one . So I could understand what a wonderful gift this was.

Wayne’s sister is now married and lives not far from Wayne and they are still close and still share a common love of music . Based on my evening spent with Wayne and playing and singing with him I can tell you he hasn’t lost his touch .

Wayne dropped into a music shop one day and while browsing discovered a guitar made in China that sounded as good as his old Gibson. He was amazed . So much so when talking to his sister Judy he mentioned it and said if he ever came up with the $600 purchase price he might buy it.

About a year passed and Wayne sold an old car he had fixed up . Finally he had enough money to buy that guitar . Off he goes to the music store . He gets the guitar down from the shelf and plays it in the back music room. Along with the owner of the shop they have a great little jam session. Wayne loves the guitar and asks the owner if he has a case for it . The owner states he has a case for $60.00 and if Wayne buys the guitar and case he will throw in a strap . Wayne takes out his debit card to pay for his items. He puts the card on the counter. At this point the owner of the shop says “just a minute , I have something for you . “ He leaves and comes back with a receipt and tells Wayne the guitar and case are already paid for and passes Wayne an envelope . Wayne (somewhat in a daze ) opens the envelope and reads the note inside which said.

To Wayne the most wonderful brother in the world.

When you gave me your Gibson guitar when I was only 17 years old I wasn’t old enough to realize how much of a sacrifice it was for you to do and how special a gift it was to me . After all these years I’ve finally found a way to repay you in this small way . I told the owner not to give this to you until you laid your card on the counter to be sure you really wanted this guitar. You are the most wonderful brother in the whole world and please accept this as a small token of how much I appreciate You.

Love Judy.

The receipt was dated almost a year before the same day Wayne had told Judy about the guitar. Tears rolled down Wayne’s cheeks when he told me this storey . I couldn’t help but think how wonderful a gift this was to Wayne and that him knowing how much his sister loved him was a much greater gift than the guitar itself . I also thought what a glowing example of why appreciation is considered the greatest human want . Like a precious diamond so rare and so cherished once found.

I’ve told this story to the best of my ability and recollection. My hope is that it makes you feel as good and warm inside as it made me when I heard it . Not just because it is a feel good kind of story but because I had the privilege and honour of seeing with my own eyes the impact this act of kindness and appreciation had on my dear friend Wayne . God Bless you Judy . For as much as you have appreciated having Wayne as a brother , he has appreciated having you as a sister.

By Luke October 9^th 2008