I have many stories which are funny and heart warming, some which there will be a few, who will not "agree" with, but at the time and in this place, no one thought it wrong.....
I have many stories which are funny and heart warming, some which there will be a few, who will not "agree" with, but at the time and in this place, no one thought it wrong.....
| Long ago in a kingdom on the West Coast, there was a small tourney. This tourney was the first "Make-a-wish" tourney that I ever attended. The foundation had brought a small eight year old boy in a wheel chair, to the event. It was his "hearts desire" that he should be "King for a Day." As with all who qualify for this foundation, he was dying. He had cancer of the brain and the doctors had given him, 2-3 months more to live. He was wheelchair bound, and on medication, but much more alert than most expected. His cute brown hair and big eyes seemed to eat up everything he saw! |
| The day was beautiful, not overly hot, and the skies were clear. The populace had crafted a crown, a scepter, and a cloak for "His Majesty". As we stood and bowed as he was brought down the center isle for opening court, the wind picked up and sent the banners snapping in the breeze. Two knights, attended His Majesty, as well as his Mother, who walked behind. Her eyes were misty as she watched total strangers giving her son his dying wish. |
| During opening court,the combatants for the day came forward and pledged their fights to His Majesty's honor. Without prompting, He smiled, thanked them, and wished them well. He was so grown up in his manners and speech. Everyone's heart caught in their throats. |
| Towards the end of the day, "His Majesty's" attendants requested an audience with the Knights council and the King (ours). At the council meeting, one of the knights requested, that as this small child had through out the day shown bravery, honor, chivalry, and courtesy, he should be knighted, by our King for real. bThis knight offered his own belt for the lad, another came forward and offered his chain, still another offered his spurs and finally the last knight who came forward offered his "dagger" to serve as a sword for the new knight. There was one of the older knights who objected, saying that "they couldn't possibly knight this boy, who first was ot a member of the society and who secondly wasn't even a fighter!" But as Our King pointed out, the child was dying and wouldn't live to grow up to be a fighter, but that he had been fighting this disease all of his life and had been able to be courteous through it all! The older knight, sat down. Also the King continued, saying, that he himself, had also watched the lad and indeed he could attest to his bravery, for he never should any discomfort, to anyone. |
| At closing court His Majesty was knighted! Those attending court cried, those knights who gave up their own items cried and the day ended. |
| But this is not the end of the story. Nine or ten months later, his Mother came to an event. She wanted first to "thank us.", for making her sons last days so happy and to let us know that the doctors had credited the Society and its actions with prolonging the childs life. She also said that when things got really bad, he never cried, because, he said, "Real, knights had to be brave and since he was a real knight now, he had to be brave too." Also she wanted us to know that, he died with his belt, chain, and spurs on, holding his sword. She had buried him with the sword, belt and chain, but wanted to return the spurs to the Knight who had donated them. The knight in question, rose, and knelt before this lady, "It was an honor, My Lady, to count your son, as one of us." He told her. "Your son has taught us all the true meaning of bravery. Please keep the spurs as a remembrance of him and the honor he did us all." |
| Many years have come and gone since this Make-a-wish tourney, but I still remember the generosity of the SCA and its ability to touch the every day world. |
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I hope this qualifies for a positive story. It has certainly touched my life and inspired me. I hope it does you too.
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| Mags |
