Generosity: a story in 60 seconds

"I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver." ---Maya Angelou

Of all her duties as Dean of the Mercy School of Medicine, Dr. Livingston found dealing with the children of donors and benefactors to be the most irksome. Yet here she was on a late Tuesday afternoon, sitting in her office across from another short-tempered legatee.

“Please, Mr. Higgins, if you’d like to have a seat,” she began warmly, motioning toward the armchair across from her desk.

“You can call me Richard,” he said tersely, glancing at the mosaic of diplomas, awards, and certifications framed along the back wall.

“Yes, of course,” she smiled. “Well, Richard, first, I want to express my condolences to you and your family. Your mother was an extraordinary woman. So committed to the cause—and giving, not only of her resources but of her time.”

“Yes, she was generous,” Richard answered as he shifted around in his chair. “Often too generous…”

“Well, her legacy of generosity will continue posthumously,” Dr. Livingston replied sweetly. “And we are honored your mother chose to make her donation with us. There are so many worthy institutions; I’m sure the decision came after much debate.”

“I wouldn’t know. Mother didn’t talk about it.”

“Oh. I apologize. Typically, there’s some discussion amongst the family…”

Richard only shrugged.

Dr. Livingston felt the conversation begin to sputter. She looked at Richard sympathetically.

“I know it must be challenging to come here today, but your mother’s commitment to—”

“Is this going to take long?” he interrupted. “I’d like to get back to my children. This whole situation has them very confused. They don’t understand where their grandmother went, and, to be frank, I don’t quite know what to tell them.”

“Yes, of course. We’ll get right to it,” Dr. Livingston said, sighing discreetly. She opened the folder on her desk and quickly flipped through the pages. “I believe there are just a few more documents to sign before we can move forward with the donation. Then all we need is a final form of payment.”

Richard frowned so sharply his lower lip nearly caught the tip of his nose. “Payment?” he seethed. “For a donation?”

“It’s university policy.” Dr. Livingston replied, her words quiet but measured.

“And what am I paying for, exactly?”

“There are costs associated with a donation of this nature: permits, transportation, preparation, coroner authorization…”

“Even from the grave, she taunts me!” he shouted. “The woman donated hundreds of thousands of my inheritance to your college, and now I have to write another check just so some indigent med student can carve her up?”

Dr. Livingston opened her mouth, but before she could reply, Richard stood up abruptly and made for the door. Before exiting, he turned. “My lawyer will be in touch,” he began. “And one more thing, Doctor. When they dissect the cadaver, tell the lucky pupil to save that generous heart of hers. I believe it would look fitting on the mantel above my fireplace.”

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