Sebastian was a very wealthy man, who would soon find out how poor he really was. He was born into wealth. He attended the finest universities that the world had to offer. Undergraduate at Harvard University, Graduate School at Stanford University, and PhD. at Oxford. All this before the age of 35! Sebastian was very used to living a life of luxury and excellence. It became the standard to which he was accustomed. But, today, he was destined to learn what “true” wealth means.
Sebastian awoke to his normal routine of an elegant gourmet breakfast with his wife Cindy, followed by a quick shower, and lastly, the morning scroll through his walk-in closet filled to the brim with this year’s latest fashions. It was a good mix of the top designers in men’s fashion. Sebastian happened to be married to the Heiress of the Diamond Bound Dynasty. Cindy and Sebastian met in grad school at Stanford. They immediately fell in-like with each other and respected each other’s socio-economic status. But I digress; let’s get back to Sebastian’s destined day. After breakfast and a quick shower, Sebastian chose his attire: A nice MK blazer, black pants, and KC shoes. He got dressed and stood admiring himself in his full-length mirror. He loved his attire. He then decided to spray his cologne. It gave him the feeling of being a Greek God amongst mere mortals. After getting dressed, he kissed his beautiful wife Cindy, and headed to his Aston Martin. He pushed started the engine and got in to adjust his cockpit. His car greeted him, “Hi, Sebastian, where are we headed today? How can I be of service?” He responded, “We’re headed to the County Center for my 10:30am appointment with a potential client.” His car responded, “Ok, let me get the coordinates and adjust your route.” He thought out loud, “I can’t imagine life without you, Ashie!” Ashie is the nickname he gave his car. Ashie responded, “Ok, we are ready. First, turn left on Brinner Street…” He obeyed. Ashie eventually led him to the front door of the County Center. What he didn’t know was, that someone at the County Center would serve as his personal Guru for the day. He pulled up, parked his car, got out, and push-locked his door. He walked towards the entrance of the County Center…
A very older gentleman greeted him with a smile. The older gentleman, let’s just say his name was Josten for the sake of this story, admired his suit and vehicle. Josten, exclaimed, “What a lovely suit and car you have! You must be loaded!” Sebastian looked at him astonished; he really didn’t know how to respond. He was used to people admiring him but he felt kind of offended by the way Josten said it. Sebastian responded, “Well…thanks, I guess.” Josten smiled and said, “I was sent here to meet you.” Sebastian looked perplexed and said, “What are you talking about?” Josten responded, “You will see in a bit. Let me explain!” Not sure whether to run or stay to listen to Josten’s explanation, Sebastian looked bewildered. He had no response. Josten continued, “I have a challenge for you if you are willing to take it!” Sebastian nodded and said, “What’s in it for me?” Josten said, “A very powerful lesson, if done right.” Sebastian responded, “Why do I need to learn a lesson? I am very well educated.” Josten said, “I think you will appreciate this lesson. It will be one of those lessons that could alter the way you see your life. Are you up for the challenge?” Sebastian nodded. Josten said, “I am glad you agree. Now, let’s get started. Hand me your car keys, wallet, and Rolex watch.” Sebastian shrugged his shoulders and frowned his face. He said, “Are you out of your mind?! Why would I do that?” Josten replied, “It is a part of the challenge. It is a test of trust. Can you release your prized possessions to a complete stranger? What if my life depended on it? What would you do?” Sebastian looked up for a moment. For some reason, Josten’s challenge seemed intriguing. Sebastian continued his contemplation. He finally said, “If I released these items to you, what reassurance do I have that you will be here to return them?” Josten responded, “That is a part of the challenge. Take it or leave it!” Sebastian stood a bit longer as he considered whether to leave it or take it. Sebastian really wanted this client. Josten said, “Ok, time is ticking! Are you in or out?” Sebastian looked at Josten as he unlatched his watch, reached into his pocket, and got his car keys and wallet. Sebastian then stacked them together and hesitantly handed them over to Josten. Josten reached out and grabbed the items and said, “In exchange for your items, I have something to give you.” Josten reached into his pocket and pulled out a very shiny penny. It appeared to be barely circulated. Sebastian outstretched his hand and received the shiny penny. Josten said, “This item will be crucial to your lesson. Bring it back to me to get your items.” Sebastian studied the penny. He wondered what was so special about it. Josten noticed him studying the penny and said, “This penny has taught me so much. It is worth millions of dollars, if not more, to me.” Sebastian looked at Josten as he continued to speak, “Your test is… First, you must find true happiness and purposeful identity with the clothes on your back and that penny in hand. Second, you must uniquely help someone. Third, you must return to me with an item that you found valuable along your journey.” Sebastian immediately felt overwhelmed. Will he be able to do that? Most of his identity was in his possessions. He continued to think before he was interrupted by Josten asking, “Are we clear on this? Do you have any questions?” Sebastian wanted to ask more questions but he had his pride to preserve. He said, “No, Josten, I get it. See you in a bit.” Sebastian turned and walked away from Josten pondering which task to complete first. He decided to pursue uniquely helping someone. That seemed like the most immediate task. He walked the streets for over an hour searching for his lucky recipient. Just as he was about to give up, he bumped into an elderly gentleman. He appeared rather fragile and maybe blind. Sebastian couldn’t tell, because the older gentlemen walked around stumbling. He almost bumped into several poles. Sebastian walked over to him and asked, “Sir, do you need any help?” The elderly man responded in a very crisp voice, “Yes, I actually do! I was asked to help find my granddaughter. She is rather young but has wandered off. I am partially blind, but I do know the sound of her voice.” Sebastian thought, “Bingo!!!!” Sebastian said, “Ok, I am here to serve you. Where did you see her last?” The elderly man responded, “First and foremost, my name is Nathaniel. May I ask your name?” Sebastian responded, “Sebastian.” Nathaniel then said, “I last heard her at home. But, I do know she loves trinkets and robotic toys.” Sebastian responded, “Ok, great, what’s the nearest toy store around here?” Nathaniel said, “Because I am blind, I can only describe it to you.” Nathaniel began to describe the toy store and its surroundings. Sebastian was very familiar with the surrounding areas of the County Center. He said, “Ok, follow me! I think I know which store you are referring to!” Just as he said that he grabbed Nathaniel’s arm and led him down the street for what appeared to be an eternity, but was only five blocks. They both approached “Trinkets and More Trinkets.” Sebastian led Nathaniel into the store. Sebastian remembered that he hadn’t gotten a description of Nathaniel’s granddaughter. How would he know if he found her? Sebastian said, “I forgot to ask, how does your granddaughter look?” Josten began to describe what he felt about her. For, he had never fully seen her face. He only touched her face and arms as he interacted with her. Based on Nathaniel’s description, Sebastian panned from left to right searching every nook and cranny of the store. Unfortunately, he didn’t see a girl that met Nathaniel’s description. Sebastian let out a disappointed sigh as he said, “I don’t see her! Do you know where else she might be?” Nathaniel paused for a moment and replied, “She really loves bodies of water and rock hunting. What place do you think she could find water and add to her rock collection?” Sebastian thought for a moment, he knew of Lake Superior. Lake Superior was one of the places that Sebastian visited to reflect on his life. It was a very quiet and peaceful place. Nathaniel interrupted Sebastian’s train of thought asking, “Did you think of anything?” Sebastian responded, “Yes, Lake Superior! However, it is a mile away from here. Are you up for a walk?” Nathaniel nodded in agreement. Sebastian and Nathaniel left the store and headed to Lake Superior. They walked and talked. Sebastian learned about how Nathaniel lost his sight. Nathaniel was an army vet who served in the Korean War. Nathaniel was a highly respected Fighter Pilot who lost his sight during a practice simulation. Nathaniel revealed that his entire identity was wrapped in his role in the army. After he lost his sight, he lost his career. He struggled with years of depression. The one thing that brought him out of a life of sadness and hopelessness was the birth of his granddaughter. Melody was her name. Sebastian never felt so connected to a stranger. Unfortunately, Sebastian couldn’t relate. For, he had never had anyone who meant that much to him. At that moment, he wondered what his wife Cindy meant to him. After walking arm and arm, Sebastian and Nathaniel made it to the lake. Sebastian immediately thought of the place he normally goes to reflect. He exclaimed, “I think I know where she may be! Walk with me!” Nathaniel complied and walked with him. They walked over to the shaded area by a particular willow tree that was surrounded by a rock garden. All of a sudden, a young beautiful girl exclaimed, “Grandpa!!! You found me! I didn’t mean to scare you. I normally come here to add to my rock garden!” Nathaniel excitedly responded, “Come here, Melody! You scared me to death!” Melody approached Nathaniel and embraced him. Melody looked over at Sebastian and introduced herself. Nathaniel was intrigued by Melody. He didn’t know she was so beautiful and intelligent. Sebastian asked, “Can I ask you what this rock garden means to you? I usually come over to this exact area to reflect. I always admired the rock garden…” Melody replied, “This rock garden is a collection of unique rocks that represent the needed virtues of life! I just added the “peace” rock to my collection.” Sebastian nodded in amazement. It seemed that this young lady knew more about how to live a fulfilling life than he did. Melody continued, “Each rock is unique. I am so grateful that you helped my granddad find me. I want you to have this…” She bent down and grabbed a rough and rugged looking rock and handed it to Sebastian. Sebastian looked at it and thanked her. She said, “That is my “imperfection” rock. For it is very rough looking. I learned that the beauty of life is delighting in our imperfections. We are all works in progress. Therefore, we should not be too hard on ourselves.” Sebastian was completely in awe of Melody. Sebastian stood speechless because he spent most of his life trying to be perfect. He wanted the perfect life, perfect wife, perfect job, etc. Sebastian began to tear up. He couldn’t hold back his tears. Melody looked at him compassionately and said, “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just wanted to show my gratitude.” Sebastian reassured her that he was not upset. For once, he felt free. Free to be imperfect. Meanwhile, Nathaniel stood silent as he listened to his wise granddaughter. He couldn’t have been more proud of her at that moment. Sebastian said, “I have to head back. Are you guys ok from here?” Melody and Nathaniel in unison said, “Yes!” Sebastian reflected as he headed back to the County Center with his prized possession in his hand. It appeared that he killed two birds with one stone.
Josten, as promised, stood at the entrance of the County Center waiting on Sebastian. Sebastian looked at peace, and Josten noticed right away. Josten said, “From the looks of your face, I can tell you passed the challenge.” Sebastian nodded as he began to explain how he helped an elderly gentleman find his granddaughter, how the elderly gentleman’s granddaughter helped him find his identity, and how the young girl gave him his most prized possession. Just as Sebastian finished his story, he handed Josten the “Imperfection” Rock. Josten admired it and said, “See! I doubted that you would pass my challenge, but you proved me wrong!” Sebastian thanked him so much as he exchanged the penny for his car keys, watch, and wallet. For some reason, they felt different in his hands. Josten said, “Now, do you see why I was scheduled to meet you? I was not your client, you were mine!” Sebastian smiled and exchanged goodbyes with Josten. For today was the beginning of a new life for Sebastian. He would never forget that day. He would forever treasure his “Imperfection” rock. He couldn’t wait to get home to explain his destined day to his wife Cindy.
Mercedes Tucker 