A Father's Treasure
by D. Curran
Two busy brothers lived many miles away from each other and rarely
talked or visited one another. When their father lay dying, they both traveled to his
bedside. The dying man began telling his sons about a "treasure" that was hidden in
the house, but he died before completing his story.
After the funeral, the brothers decided to search the house for the treasure
their father mentioned. They started in the attic, where they were delighted to find the
now battered toys of their childhood. They shared stories about the toys and the fun
games they played together as children.
When they were sure there was no treasure to find in the attic, they headed to
the living room. As they searched, they found a box filled with old pictures of family
and friends. They laughed and cried as they remembered the people and stories behind
the pictures.
Certain there was no treasure in the living room, they headed to their childhood
bedroom, which had faded cowboy wallpaper on the walls. They sat on the creaky
bunk beds and recalled the many happy hours they spent in the room together.
The brothers searched the entire house to no
avail. There was no gold, or silver, or coins. But they
were content, and they knew that they had
succeeded in finding the treasure their father had
spoken of on his deathbed. As the brothers parted,
they hugged, promising not to ever again be too
busy to talk.
They realized that the true treasure was not material possessions, but the memories and bonds they shared as a family. They understood that the time they had spent together, playing with toys, looking at old photos, and reminiscing about their childhood, was invaluable. They had rediscovered the love and connection they had as brothers and had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of family.
From that point on, the brothers made a commitment to prioritize their relationship and make time for each other. They vowed to stay in touch, visit more often, and create new memories together. They knew that life was too short to be consumed by busyness and neglecting the relationships that mattered most.
Years passed, and the brothers became fathers themselves. They made sure to pass down the lessons they had learned from their own father's treasure hunt. They encouraged their children to value family, to cherish the moments they shared, and to always make time for each other.
The story of the brothers' treasure hunt became a family legend, told and retold at gatherings and reunions. It served as a reminder to everyone about the importance of love, connection, and the true treasures in life.
And so, the legacy of the father's treasure lived on, not as a tangible item, but as a reminder to prioritize family, treasure memories, and create lasting bonds that would be cherished for generations to come.
Which statement best expresses the theme?
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15 points
Sometimes the most valuable treasure cannot be seen.
People are delusional when they are dying.
You should always make time for your family.
Sometimes we are unsuccessful when searching for treasure.
The statement that best expresses the theme is:
Sometimes the most valuable treasure cannot be seen.
Support your answer to the previous question.
The theme of the story is best represented by the statement "Sometimes the most valuable treasure cannot be seen." Throughout the story, the brothers are on a quest to find the treasure their father mentioned on his deathbed. They search every inch of the house, hoping to find gold, silver, or coins. However, despite their dedicated efforts, they come up empty-handed.
Instead of finding material wealth, the brothers discover something far more valuable - the intangible treasures of their childhood memories, the bonds they shared as brothers, and the importance of family. The attic holds their old toys, which evoke happy memories and stories of their shared experiences. In the living room, they find a box filled with old pictures that stir up emotions and allow them to reflect on the people and stories behind those images. Even their childhood bedroom, with its faded cowboy wallpaper, brings them back to the joyous hours they spent together.
The brothers come to realize that the true treasure their father spoke of was not something tangible but rather the connections they had as a family. They learn the valuable lesson that material possessions pale in comparison to the love, memories, and relationships they have with one another.
Thus, the theme "Sometimes the most valuable treasure cannot be seen" is supported by the brothers' realization that the true treasure lies in the intangible aspects of life, such as love, memories, and family bonds, rather than in material wealth.