I thought I would share a story that a buddy of mine shared with our group of friends while we were chillaxin’ at the beach somewhere on the West African coast. I seem to recall it being near the Christmas season. Just like the hilarious or crazy family experiences of Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny or even the Tooth Fairy; this guy shared his family story of “the Duck.”
This friend had fond childhood memories of a mischievous fun-loving uncle that was a Vietnam War veteran also known for his love of cigarettes and whiskey. When his uncle would sense the opportunity, he would sneak off to the attic, blow a duckcall really loud and then chuck toys from the attic window down to the front lawn. And so, my friend had become convinced that the Duck was a magical creature that would deliver gifts to the good boys and girls of the world by dropping off the most random gifts and toys onto the front lawn, sometimes his own toys. Strangely, none of his friends were ever visited by the Duck. The Duck would deliver dump trucks, fire engines and even those toddler lawn mower clear dome popper toy thingies… as a result, the toys were inevitably broken during the gifting process! Since the Duck didn’t deliver toys in the most efficient manner, family members wouldn’t let my friend run into the front yard until the Duck had flown away for fear of him taking a yard dart or Tonka truck to the head! But every time he would visit he would ask the adults if they thought the Duck might appear. Soon the the Duck would announce himself with lots of mad quacking, as if to know that a little kid was excitedly waiting for the Duck to appear.
My friend’s uncle passed away earlier that year, but stories of the Duck were reminisced during the family memorial, bringing tearful laughter and warm feelings to those who remembered. So here’s to those special people in the world who are always ready to bring joy, laughter, and even toys from a third story attic to a little child.
What legacy are you leaving behind for loved ones and friends to remember you by? Your incredible work ethic or hours of over-time, or the quality moments that are the things that lasting memories are truly made from?
great story…I am ” The Duck” ‘s cousin and was there many times when the Duck would strike….a few times I even helped throw things with the Duck, we always had such fun when visiting……there are many stories of funny things he did…..he is sadly missed, and left this earth way too early. On a side note I am a former member of the 82nd Airborne Div. and got to know your friend very well and was proud, and honored to place his blood wings on his chest……Thanks for the story