I have an uncle who is as old as dirt. His health is failing now and he may not survive much longer. But his story is well worth telling.
My uncle was born in a much simpler time - a time when love of one's faith, one's family, and one's country was much more strongly valued than today. He has lived through two World Wars and the Great Depression. His life would make a great Horatio Alger story.
He was raised to believe in God, to work hard, and to be charitable and life will be rewarding. When he was still a youngster he set out to make his fortune, and did. He had a large family and saved and invested wisely. He was politically active and supported Civil Rights long before anyone every heard of Martin Luther King, Jr. He served as soldier, businessman, husband, and father. He was the classic self-made man. My uncle had a caring heart and whenever someone asked for help, he was there to either give him a job or a loan to start a business. He was one of the early venture capitalists.
Then something happened to my uncle. Something changed him. The only description I can give is he became too prosperous. Some of his children and grandchildren began to take advantage of his charitable nature. They would ask for a loan and never pay it back. Eventually they would just ask for a handout. It seemed to please my uncle that others depended on him. It gave him a feeling of power. Other people came to him too seeking handouts and he usually obliged. After all he had plenty to go around. He forgot that all his gifts and talents came from God and he felt empowered to play the role of Santa Claus. But his family begin to worry. His riches were not unlimited.
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