Two auctions with different endings, sadly
This past Saturday morning, I attended an auction in Rock Falls, where the holiday spirit was alive and well. It so happened that there were lots of new toys and gifts up for sale, and the auctioneer had the inspired idea to set up a table for Toys for Tots, suggesting that people might want to buy an extra item for the needy.
Well, auction-goers are notorious for their – shall we say – thriftiness, so I wondered how that idea would play out.
I needn’t have worried, however, because long before the auction ended, the table was piled high with nice gifts and another table had been added. There were more smiles and enthusiasm in the crowd than I had seen in years.
We had to leave early because of another commitment, but we left appreciating the generosity of all the good people in our community.
The next morning, we went to an auction in Polo, which is usually fun because you can buy boxes full of treasures for a few dollars and find great surprises. The barn was full of the remainders from several estates, with lots of merchandise.
Unfortunately, we were to experience the other side of human nature at the second auction.
Someone stole an item that had deep sentimental value to a person who had placed an early bid. So, that lady was not able to buy the item that had belonged to her dear friend. It was so sad that someone’s greed and dishonesty caused such hurt.
Leaving the second auction, I thought about how people are. Yes, humans are capable of all sorts of actions, both good and bad. For me, the actions of many at the first auction still outweigh the act of the thief at the second.
