The Diamond with the Scratch

A story from Harold Ivan Smith’s book, A Decembered Grief:

“Once upon a time a great king owned a beautiful diamond. But there was a problem. The diamond had a flaw- a scratch in the middle. It could never be given, worn, or admired. So, the king, who was used to having his subjects make him happy, sent word throughout his vast kingdom that great riches, position, and prestige would come to any individual who could take away the flaw. Well, they came, the best of jewelers and artists, even magicians – not just from the kingdom, but from across the mountains and the seas. But alas- no one could remove the scratch. The king despaired. Then one day a young man arrived, somewhat optimistic about his chances for doing what no one else had been able to do. Oh, he heard the doubters and the scoffers. But he asked for a quiet place to work where he would not be disturbed. Every day the king asked, “Well?” And the determined young man would answer, “Not yet.” Days passed. Weeks passed. Then one afternoon the young man handed the diamond to the king. Slowly a smile spread across the king’s face, and then a great “Yes!” ricocheted through the palace. The queen, the courtesans, and the knights crowded in for a closer look. The scratch was still there! But the young man had carved a rose around it, using the scratch as a stem.” (Smith, Harold Ivan, A Decembered Grief, (Kansas City, Kansas: Beacon Hill Press, 2011)

Like the diamond, the loss of a loved one leaves a deep scar on our lives. At the same time, the healing that comes through grieving can transform you. The scar will remain, but you will be changed.