The Thursday Night Club Read Online Free PDF Page B

unison.
    “From where I stand, I honestly can’t imagine some
great
purpose in this,” Kevin admitted.
    “But your perspective may change,” McKee said, her tone soft. “It always does.”
    As more skeptical glances were exchanged between the four friends, Randy shocked them even further. “So you really believe that Jesse’s life—and death—have some great purpose that we can’t see?” he asked.
    She nodded. “I really do. Unfortunately, people within our society believe that the person who dies with the most toys wins. For most, it’s all about amassing material objects, wealth. For others, it’s about compiling a list of accomplishments and accolades.” She looked back toward Jesse’s casket. “But have you ever been to a funeral and overheard someone praise the deceased for anything they owned?”
    As their jaws dropped open, the friends listened in awe as the professor echoed Jesse’s recent words—almost verbatim.
    Professor McKee changed her voice to drive her point home. “Oh, what wonderful houses and cars he had!” She shook her head. “No, people are truly remembered by what they do while on this planet and, more importantly, how they help others. It’s not about what you have or take, it’s about what you give…and eventually leave behind.” She smiled. “Imagine if we all measured wealth that way.”
    For the first time, the professor’s words were not met with negativity. The four friends remained silent, pondering the wonderful déjà vu experience.
    “What a different and glorious world this would be,” Professor McKee added.
    They each nodded.
    “The good book says to place our treasures in heaven because that’s where our hearts will be,” she continued, looking toward Jesse’s casket again. “It’s not only a matter of faith, but the proof in your deeds.” She looked back at them. “No great mystery here, guys. And I think Jesse figured it out early.” She nodded. “Giving more than you take… now that’s how you build a life worth living.”
    The friends looked at each other in awe.
    With a wink, Professor McKee walked away, leaving them to internalize her lesson.
     
~~~
     
    The four friends still met for the
Thursday Night Club
on Izzy and Ava’s front porch. Rather than play cards, they shared bittersweet memories of Jesse.
    “Who enters a best prank contest and raises money for charity?” Kevin asked, snickering. “I mean, who does that?”
    “He was so amazing, wasn’t he?” Izzy said. “I remember our freshman year when he helped me study for a World History test I was freaking out about. I didn’t think it was a big deal until I found out he had to stay up all night to cram for his own exam that he had in the morning.
    Randy shook his head. “Unreal!” he said. “Do you guys remember when Jesse couldn’t make our potluck dinners last year?”
    They each nodded.
    “Well, I found out later he was down at the soup kitchen, volunteering.” He shook his head. “When I called him on it, he asked me not to tell anyone…said that the only one who needed to know was God.”
    “Jesse’s stories are endless,” Kevin added.
    “And so was his caring for other people,” Ava said.
    “This may sound crazy,” Izzy said, “but I feel like he’s still with us…sitting right here, right now.”
    They all agreed with solemn nods.
    “Can you imagine how much good he would have done in this world had he lived a full life?” Ava suggested.
    They each quietly pondered this for a few minutes. Suddenly, Izzy became excited. “What if, in Jesse’s memory, we have another contest…” she said, thinking aloud, “…only this time, whoever pulls off the greatest or kindest deed, wins the pot?”
    Each of them considered this for a brief moment and smiled.
    Grinning, Ava grabbed the empty jar and dropped the first quarter into it. The others reached into their pockets and did the same. Randy came up empty and turned to Kevin. “I need to borrow a