"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life
that no man can sincerely try to help another
without helping himself."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Months ago - when summer heat was at it's hottest - a family of brothers sat down around a dining table and began the lengthy process of discussing and designing this year's Haunted House; they have done this for many years now...
Growing up poor they found magical childhood delight in going to a Haunted House when they were children - and that is where the seeds of this inspired act began. They charge nothing for the Haunted House tour (this is of great importance to them), and it is for one night only: Halloween. Over the years, these brothers have combed corners of the Internet and back lot movie sets to secure the most astonishing items in order to intensely thrill and cause others to grab hold of their deepest fears. (Look beyond the gory details and you will uncover the hidden message: you can survive most anything and do okay - even being poor.)
On Halloween night, as she has done for years now, their mother creates a signature meal of steaming homemade soup to fortify her now grown and successful sons for the long night ahead (she is clearly the one behind the teaching of this nurtured love for others).
When the brothers finally lay down their hammers and complete the scrutiny of a final walk-through, it is time for each of them to put on their fearsome costumes and transform from commonplace into the unexpected and downright scary!
One night. One cultivated childhood vision. One gift of giving back. One Halloween when the brother's hearts are free to express what it truly means to help others - especially children. And in doing so they have helped themselves by keeping alive an inner fire of belief. Behind the gruesome masks and costumes, their little boy smiles mysteriously reappear...
May we all be so bighearted and creative in our respective expressions of helpfulness...
