The Stranger’s Gift

When Rose was born, she was a very lucky baby. Her father had once saved a little, old lady from drowning. When she was safe on land, she told the stranger that she had magical powers. She assured him that he would someday have a daughter, and when he did, she would come and grant the baby one special wish. Until that time, he was to think very carefully on what he would want to wish for his child.

On the day of his child’s birth, he knew she would show up. Sure enough, just before sunset, there was a knock at the door. When he opened the door, the old woman who he had saved stood on his doorstep. “You have a daughter?” she questioned, and he nodded yes. “Then it is time.” The old lady went into the room and stood over the crib of the sleeping newborn. She smiled when she looked at the innocent child. Then she turned to the man and said, “What have you decided on as your wish?”

The man had spent more time worrying about the wish than enjoying the idea of the wish. He knew that wishes could go horribly wrong. One only had to remember the story of King Midas to know that even riches couldn’t bring a person happiness.

So with the love of a father, he told the woman he wished she would take her wish and go away. He told her that he had a loving wife and a beautiful new daughter and that he was happy and needed nothing her wishes could bring. All of his wishes had already come true.

The old woman’s face broke into a huge grin. She congratulated the man on his wisdom and left the house. As she walked away, she touched a small plant growing at the edge of the yard. Her touch turned it into a beautiful rose bush that was meant to remind the man of his wise decision. Seeing the magical bush blooming in his yard, he knew at least one other problem had been solved this night.

They would name their daughter Rose.