The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Moffitt was walking across the Cambridge campus toward his office. It was good to be back to a place he held dear. The air was brisk, and leaves fluttered to the ground hinting that colder weather was just around the corner. He was presenting a series of lectures during the latter half of the fall semester and would be teaching three classes in the next term. Additionally, he was writing a paper on the archeological finds he had discovered while in North Africa and making plans for a dig next summer to continue exploring some of the caves he had visited while serving in the desert.

"Congratulations, Dr. Moffitt," a colleague called cheerily from across the way. Moffitt absently raised his hand in greeting not really focusing on what the man had said. Several steps later, it happened again by another professor. For what? he wondered. Perhaps it was for his return to academia or safe return from the war. He was mentally reviewing the notes for his lecture later in the day and brushed the matter aside.

He was stopped on the stairs by several students who likewise congratulated him and a secretary as he made his way to his office. It was becoming rather off-putting.

"Good show, Jack," came the voice of his department chair who shook his hand outside Moffitt's door.

"I'm sorry, James, I have no idea what you're talking about. I keep getting congratulations for something of which I know nothing." Moffitt was confused.

"No one has shared anything with you?" his friend was surprised.

"Not a word," Moffitt replied.

"Well, I guess it's all explained in this letter," his colleague handed him an envelope. Jack was surprised to see the sender was Matthew Hitchcock. He took the envelope from his friend's hand and entered his office. He got settled with a hot cup of tea and some biscuits before slitting the letter open.

Dear Captain Moffitt:

I know you will be surprised to hear from me so soon after your visit with my family. I wanted to thank you for being such a strong influence on my son's life while he was a member of your team. A boy went away to war and returned as a man in so many ways. Your presence had a lot to do with his returning safely and I can never repay such a debt. You made an indelible impression on the man he has become. I know you were someone he turned to when he needed to think and talk things through. He has shared how highly he valued your advice and your assistance with taking his exams for Cornell. I believe I owe you thanks for also listening to him rant about my lack of understanding and acceptance as his father, a failure with which I am also well familiar. I have learned from my past mistakes and in a way, it is through your advice to Mark that I have a second chance with my son.

Mark has always sought to be known for who he is, not by his father's reputation and position. This has caused us grief in the past and I'm sure we will butt heads about it in the future but perhaps with a bit more understanding on both our parts. It has always been my practice to show my appreciation to those who have done me a service. You. Troy and Tully have done more for me than I can express. You brought by son back to me and that is priceless. Mark is always embarrassed when I give gifts of appreciation, especially where he is concerned. He feels I am bribing people to be his friend but that is never my intent. Mark has never had difficulty in making friends and is rather insightful about who is a true friend and one who is only seeking to curry favor.

With that in mind, I hope we can keep this gift between ourselves. I wish to assure you it is merely my way of thanking you for all you have done for my family. It is the best way I have so I hope you will accept it as a gift freely given with no strings attached.

In your honor, I have endowed a Chair in Anthropology at Cambridge with you as the first chair-holder. The position is yours for as long as you wish. In addition, I have agreed to finance your dig next summer in North Africa. I look forward to hearing about what you discover. If, in the future, you need financial backing for any archeological expeditions, I trust you will let me assist you. It will mean a great deal to me If I can be of any service to you.

I am looking forward to seeing you again. I will have business in London in a few months and hope I will have the opportunity of meeting your parents. Thank you again for everything you have done for my son, and by extension, myself.

Moffitt was non-plussed reading the letter. He knew Hitch would hate his father doing this and yet be happy for the result. His first thought was to graciously decline the gift but then wondered how something could be done without offense. He sat and thought a long time before realizing he really had no course of action but to accept. It was an honor for the university as well as himself. In regard to Matthew's offer to financially back future digs, it was the gift that kept on giving.

At the time, Moffitt had correctly confirmed his suspicion that Tully's scholarship had come through a Hitchcock foundation. Getting Olive was just the cherry on top. He wondered what Matthew had arranged for Troy for he was certain, if the philanthropist was handing out gifts to those who helped Hitch return safely home, then Troy would be at the top of the list.

He returned the letter to the envelope and placed it in his desk drawer. He needed to find his own father and discuss this situation with him. He still couldn't believe it and needed to talk it through with a friend. How wonderful that he and his father had found friendship after so many years. He wished the same for Matthew and Mark.