I was putting books back in the bookcase this morning after using a shelf for Christmas fun, and happened to pick up two books at the same time.
Adam Hamilton's Forgiveness, Finding Peace Through Letting Go, is one of my favorite study books. The other was Meet You in Hell by Les Standiford.
This book is about Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick, two of the richest men of their time, who helped transform America. Both were industrialists, both made a significant mark in American history, and they worked hand in hand. They were good friends and trusted business partners.
Along with making America and themselves very rich, they were both philanthropists. Carnegie built over 3,000 public libraries, and started a teacher's pension fund, among many other endeavors. He was of course, the major benefactor for Carnegie Hall.
If you've ever been to "The Frick" in New York City, you've been overwhelmed by Frick's multi-million dollar 64 room mansion/museum and his huge collection of art, all of which he willed to the city.
At some point in their relationship, Carnegie and Frick had a falling out and did not speak to each other for at least two decades.
When Carnegie was eighty-three years old and in poor health he had a change of heart and directed his long time personal secretary, James Bridge, to take a letter to Frick. Bridges, who had never heard Carnegie even mention Frick's name, was now asked to carry a letter to Frick. The letter was asking Frick to meet with Carnegie before one of them died. And he added that their past grievances were beneath their dignity.
It was "time to make amends and prepare to meet their Maker."
"'Yes, you can tell Carnegie I'll meet him,' Frick said finally, wadding the letter and tossing back at Bridge. 'Tell him I'll see him in Hell, where we both are going.'"
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