The Ultimate Journey Read online

  © 2011 Jim Stovall

  Published by Revell

  a division of Baker Publishing Group

  P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

  www.revellbooks.com

  Previously published by David C Cook

  Ebook edition originally created 2011

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

  ISBN 978-1-4934-2149-7

  This story is a work of fiction. All characters and events are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Cover Design: Sarah Schultz

  Cover Photos: iStockphoto 10455657; 4767700; 2616845

  This book is dedicated to Dorothy Thompson

  who has, fifteen times, taken my dictated words

  and turned them into a manuscript.

  It is also dedicated to the wonderful team

  at David C Cook who has, once again,

  taken my manuscript and turned it into a book.

  And, finally, this book is dedicated to Rick Eldridge

  who, as executive producer, has twice before taken these characters

  and brought their story to the silver screen

  in The Ultimate Gift and The Ultimate Life.

  Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Epigraph

  One The Ultimate Life

  Two The Ultimate Gift

  Three The Journey of Work

  Four The Journey of Money

  Five The Journey of Friends

  Six The Journey of Learning

  Seven The Journey of Problems

  Eight The Journey of Family

  Nine The Journey of Laughter

  Ten The Journey of Dreams

  Eleven The Journey of Giving

  Twelve The Journey of Gratitude

  Thirteen The Journey of a Day

  Fourteen The Journey of Love

  Fifteen The Ultimate Journey

  About the Author

  The Ultimate Gift Movie Photos

  Back Ad

  Back Cover

  I wonder if my life had been

  Of some completely different vein

  Would I have scaled more lofty heights,

  Waved more banners, flashed more lights,

  And pressed my head where royalty has lain?

  Or what if I asked but to see

  Exquisite beauty, just for me?

  Would I have ever dared to look

  Beyond the diary or the book

  That held the secrets wise men left

  For such as we, for such as we?

  From the personal diary of Joye Kanelakos

  Introduction

  Preparing for the Journey

  My dear readers, you and I are preparing to take a journey in time and space, between the covers of this book, with some very special characters. Some of you will be traveling this way for the first time while others have twice before gone on this quest in the pages of the previous books, The Ultimate Gift and The Ultimate Life, as well as the two movies of the same name from 20th Century Fox.

  One of my late great movie partners, Scott Fithian, was fond of saying, “If you can tell a great story, you earn the right to share your message.” In this book, I will endeavor mightily to both tell a good story and share a powerful message.

  The characters in this book have lived with me now for over a decade. They have become the basis for books, movies, workbooks, public school and college courses, corporate training, religious study, songs, poems, and so much more. I hope you will greet them as you would an old friend and embrace what they have to share with you.

  In the final analysis, it’s really not about their gift, their life, or their journey. It’s about you and me and where we are going.

  I have had the privilege of sharing my message with millions of people around the world through books, movies, columns, television, and speeches. On every occasion, I extend an offer that I now want to present to you. Anytime you need encouragement, direction, or simply someone to listen to your hopes and dreams, you can call me at 918-627-1000 or send me an email at [email protected].

  I want you to know and understand that I am serious about your success, and I don’t want to be just another guy who sells you a book, a movie, or whose speech you sit through. I want to be your partner in success and be your cheerleader as you find and fulfill your destiny.

  I am not someone who has mastered everything in these pages. I will never claim to be the voice of experience or expertise. I do not have all the answers. I only hope to frame the questions so you and I can explore the possibilities.

  Like most everyone, I have not yet arrived at the place where I want to be, but I am proud, pleased, and excited to join you on this Ultimate Journey.

  Jim Stovall

  One

  The Ultimate Life

  It was one of those miraculous, magical days that are destined to fondly dwell in one’s memories for years to come. I had just parallel parked on the first pass. This may not seem noteworthy unless or until one realizes that the car I parked is a vintage superstretch limousine that is more valuable than my house.

  I have driven this automotive masterpiece for the Stevens family for well over two decades. I began my service working for Howard “Red” Stevens when both the limousine and I were much newer.

  My name is James—Jim to my friends and everyone else when I’m not wearing this chauffeur’s uniform.

  Red Stevens was a legendary figure who was truly larger than life in every way. He earned, spent, and gave away billions of dollars throughout his life. His successes and his shortcomings were all monumental and could be measured on a grand scale. No history of business or industry in the twentieth century could be complete without including the exploits of Red Stevens.

  Late in his life he realized his success, fame, and wealth had taken a toll on his entire family. While Mr. Stevens had been out changing the world, he had failed to have a similar impact on his own family.

  Then there was that fateful day when the best doctors and medical experts around the world informed Mr. Stevens that his days on this earth were very limited. News like that would cause anyone to reevaluate their life and make some changes. Mr. Stevens reevaluated his priorities and changed his life the same way he did everything—in a big way.

  When you drive someone everywhere they go and talk with them constantly, you get to know them in a rare and special way. Although we never crossed that invisible employer-employee boundary, I believe I’m safe in saying Red Stevens and I were friends.

  After Mr. Stevens had completed all the medical tests, gotten second and third opinions, and verified the bad news, he reacted in that decisive manner I had come to know and love. I will never forget that unwavering voice booming from the back of the limousine.

  “James, I’ve seen my last doctor on this thing, and the verdict is in.”

  I heard a deep sigh as he continued more reflectively. “I always knew I wasn’t going to live forever, so it’s time to make some plans and set some things straight. I never thought much about dying, but there’s got to be a right way to do it.”

  He realized that the wealth and power that had been a tool for him to reshape the world around him had been the downfall of his children and grandchildren. Riches inspir
ed Red Stevens to be more and do more. It caused his family to be less and do nothing.

  As I pulled away from the medical center, I heard him say, “James, let’s go see Ted Hamilton.”

  Mr. Hamilton was to the world of law what Red Stevens had been to the world of business. They had been partners, colleagues, and special friends since the beginning.

  As I pulled up in front of the marble high-rise building that housed the law offices of Hamilton, Hamilton, and Hamilton, as usual Mr. Hamilton was waiting on the sidewalk in front of the building. I was never quite sure how he always knew we were coming, but he never failed to greet Red Stevens as I held open the back door of the limousine.

  The two men hugged and walked toward the building.

  People today would simply look upon these two giants as well-dressed, energetic men in their mideighties, but when they first got together over sixty years ago, the thought of a white man and a black man as friends and confidants was unthinkable.

  Red Stevens and Mr. Hamilton had shrugged off the absurdity of racism then, just like they had surmounted every obstacle that had confronted them throughout the years.

  After much contemplation and with Mr. Hamilton’s counsel, Red Stevens determined that he would leave his fortune and legacy to his grandson Jason Stevens in the form of a bequest that came to be known around the world as The Ultimate Gift.

  Instead of making Jason Stevens an instant billionaire, Red decided to teach Jason the lessons that Red had learned over a lifetime by sending him on a twelve-month odyssey that was monitored and orchestrated by Mr. Hamilton.

  Red Stevens set aside his long-standing distaste of being on camera and sat down long enough to make videos on a number of life lessons to be shared with his grandson at the appropriate time.

  After Red’s death and a yearlong struggle, Jason emerged controlling billions of dollars and, more importantly, he had internalized the best parts of his grandfather.

  Jason set out to continue and build upon the philanthropic work his grandfather had done throughout his life. In this way, he became his grandfather’s living legacy.

  Red Stevens’ children and other grandchildren not only failed to receive the bulk of his estate, but they also never learned the life lessons that Red left Jason through The Ultimate Gift quest.

  Red had left various companies, properties, and managed trusts to support the rest of his family, but their greed and bitterness resulted in a lawsuit aimed at Jason and the billions of dollars he controlled for the charitable foundation. A bitter court battle ensued, but thanks to Mr. Hamilton’s expertise, a judge’s wisdom, and Red Stevens’ shrewd planning, Jason emerged victorious with the charitable trust intact, and much of the damage from the family’s anger, greed, and bitterness healed.

  Either as a part of Red Stevens’ will or through the odyssey of The Ultimate Gift, Jason somehow inherited the limousine and me. I became his driver and constant companion as, month after month, he pursued the gifts of work, money, family, love, and the other components that made up the twelve aspects of Red Stevens’ Ultimate Gift to him.

  Jason was transformed into a new man throughout that year, and I will admit to being greatly changed myself.

  During that process, Jason met a special young lady named Alexia and her nine-year-old daughter, Emily. Emily was struggling with leukemia, and the disease eventually took her life, but I am proud to say it never took her joy, her laughter, or her dignity.

  Emily’s death left a void in everyone who knew her but somehow drew Jason and Alexia together. Emily will never be forgotten, and her impact remains in everyone whose life she touched.

  That day, we had gathered at a very special place known as Emily’s Home. It had been funded by the Red Stevens Foundation and had been the focal point of the Stevens family legal battle that had recently been resolved. Emily’s Home is a home for families of children suffering with serious illnesses. It allows the family to stay together and be close as their child receives treatment at the nearby medical center.

  That special place, which is usually a refuge for families dealing with pain and suffering, had been turned into the ornate and joyous setting for Jason and Alexia’s wedding. The fires of pain that had come from Emily’s death had forged a bond between Jason and Alexia that could never be broken.

  The limousine had gotten an extra coat of wax, and my chauffeur’s uniform had received an extra cleaning and pressing for the occasion. The ceremony was conducted by Judge Neely, who had presided over the recent legal civil war in the Stevens family after the initial judge had retired. The wedding went off without a hitch, and as the couple was presented as Mr. and Mrs. Jason Stevens, thousands of butterflies were released in memory of Emily and the joy and beauty she brought into the world.

  Friends, relatives, associates, and the obligatory media each had to have their moments with the newlyweds. Finally, Jason and Alexia made their way to the limousine, where I was on duty holding open the back door in the prescribed manner.

  Normally, limousine drivers don’t speak unless they’re spoken to, but on that day, I proclaimed, “My hearty congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.”

  Jason smiled and said, “Thank you, James, but I’ve always told you to call me Jason, and from now on, you can simply call my bride Alexia.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Stevens,” I replied formally.

  Some habits die hard.

  I helped the couple settle into the backseat of the car, careful not to damage Mrs. Stevens’ wedding gown. Just when all was in order, and I was preparing to close the door, I heard the unmistakable voice of Mr. Hamilton as he approached.

  “Just one moment, James, if I may.”

  Mr. Hamilton has a way of asking questions as if there is no choice or option regarding your response. This is probably part of what has made him one of the world’s greatest lawyers.

  I stepped back to allow Mr. Hamilton to approach the newlyweds in the backseat. I stood beside Mr. Hamilton’s longtime assistant, Miss Hastings. She has the capacity to seem like royalty and a servant at the same time.

  Mr. Hamilton leaned into the backseat of the limousine. He shook Jason’s hand warmly and kissed Alexia on the cheek. Then he handed them a package, explaining, “He had one last gift he wanted me to give you as a wedding present.”

  Jason began to blurt out a question, “Who …? What …?”

  Hamilton merely backed away, turned toward me, and shook my hand, saying, “James, I know this Mr. Stevens will appreciate your help and friendship as much as the last one did.”

  As I basked in the glow of his words and Jason continued to stammer out questions, Mr. Hamilton strode away with dignity, accompanied by the ever-present Miss Hastings.

  Closing the back door of the limousine and making my way around the vehicle to the driver’s compartment, I realized that the transition was complete. One era had ended while another began. As we are going through a circumstance in life, rarely does the transition seem apparent, but when we look back on events with the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that a single moment in time brought about the change.

  Thanks to Red Stevens’ immense wealth and private jet, Jason had been all around the world. He had vacationed in the most exclusive resorts and visited many rare and special places. But for their honeymoon, the couple had decided to spend a week at a private beach house just a few hours’ drive away.

  I inserted my key in the ignition and started the massive custom limousine engine. I glanced in the rearview mirror for the customary signal from Mr. Stevens to proceed, but he and his new bride were simply staring at the mysterious package from Red Stevens that Mr. Hamilton had delivered.

  One of the many lessons I had learned from my years with Jason’s grandfather is that every day is a gift, because we never know what the package holds.

  The journey of life

  is a matter of traveling well

  rather than reaching a destination.

  Two

  The Ultimate Gift
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  The three of us were frozen in time and space within the cocoon of the plush stretch limousine. I sat behind the wheel, afraid to talk or even move as I realized this was a monumental occasion. I didn’t know what Red Stevens had put inside the wrapped package that Mr. Hamilton had delivered, but I knew it had to be extraordinary.

  As I looked on in the rearview mirror, Jason and Alexia continued to stare with furrowed brows at the wrapped package that Jason held in his lap. Finally, they glanced at each other. Jason shrugged, took a deep breath, and tore open the package.

  As Alexia set aside the wrapping paper, an ordinary cardboard box was revealed. Jason slowly opened the lid and peered inside. He chuckled as he reached in and pulled out a DVD.

  He said, “I thought I had seen the last of his video lectures.”

  Although the box held more, Jason simply couldn’t wait to hear from his grandfather one more time, so he slid the DVD into the player in the back of the limousine.

  We all held our breath in anticipation, and after several seconds of static, Red Stevens appeared on the several flat screens that had been installed throughout the limousine.

  I stared at the late, great Red Stevens on the small screen in the dashboard. He had been my boss and my friend for many years. I still couldn’t believe that someone filled with so much life and energy could really be gone.

  Even though he was terminally ill and closer to ninety years old than eighty, he had a power and vitality that few men ever possess.

  He calmly spoke is if he were in the vehicle with us. “My congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.”

  A lump formed in my throat as I heard him say, “My greetings and gratitude go out to you, James, for being with me at every important step of my life and for carrying on in the same manner for Jason and his new bride.”

  I quickly wiped away a tear and glanced in the mirror in time to see Jason and Alexia smiling as they looked in my direction.

  Red continued speaking. “I know you’re watching this shortly after your wedding ceremony because there was never anyone more reliable than my old friend Ted Hamilton. I can rest peacefully knowing that Miss Hastings will always be there to take care of him.”