Mario S. Fedele
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Contents.
Uncle Henry's Hair
Busy Sam
Jimmy's Adventure
Beastie
Are You Listening?
Tommy Payne's Pain
A Grandma's Gift
The Bully
The Christmas Gift
The Little One
The Visitor
Snow Angel
"Uncle Henry's Hair" is a children's tale that I had Robert Munsch read.
He said it was a 'good' story.
I offer it up here for your enjoyment.
Uncle Henry's Hair
As a youngster, my uncle Henry always kept his hair neat and trim.
One day, shortly after turning six, he heard his mother say to a friend, "You know, I think plants have feelings! They seem to do so much better if I talk to them!"
This got uncle Henry thinking. What if his HAIR had feelings? Wouldn't that HURT IT to have it cut?
Just in case the answer was yes, he decided to never cut his hair again.
When the time came for his next hair cut, uncle Henry announced, "I'm NEVER cutting my hair again!"
"But son, you HAVE TO if you want to look DECENT!" said his mother.
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE how I look!"
So uncle Henry's hair grew. But without a barber's touch, his curly locks were soon a gruesome mess. People, young and old, would stop and stare when they passed him on the street.
Before long his hair was at shoulder length and all fluffed like a clown's. It looked so cosy that a male robin, scouting for a nesting site, thought it would make a fine place to live. He at once took up residence and finding a mate raised a family there. The baby birds would peck wildly at uncle Henry's head, annoying him like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if people stop and stare
or if birds are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew concerned about how her son looked. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to have friends!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about friends!"
So as uncle Henry got older, his hair grew even more. His looks, more repulsive than ever, scared children away, leaving him friendless and lonely.
By now his hair was so puffed out that a lost orange tabby, stuck in a tree, thought it would make a fine place to land. Straightaway onto it she leapt and found uncle Henry's hair such a comfy spot that she decided to stay. Now and then when her claws called for sharpening, she'd use uncle Henry's head as a scratch post, leaving his scalp raw and stinging like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if children I scare
or if birds or a cat are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew really concerned about all this. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to get a job!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about work!"
So as uncle Henry got older still, his hair continued to grow. Looking every bit a vagrant, no one would have him for hire. Hence without cash to spend, he had to make do from food found in garbage and by wearing worn-out clothing.
His hair was so bushy now that a stray male collie thought it would make a fine place for shelter. Thus in he jumped and with him came hordes of fleas who'd taken to his furry form for shelter of their own. The fleas, wishing to gratify their appetites, would venture forth onto uncle Henry's head, causing him from each bite inflicted to itch like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if used clothes I wear
or if birds, a cat, or a dog are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew more concerned than ever over his appearance. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to find a wife!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about marrying!"
So as uncle Henry reached manhood, his hair grew without end. And since he looked shabby and frightful no girl would have him for a husband, forcing him to a solitary life.
His hair grew to such enormous proportions now that a young male elephant, who'd escaped from the circus, thought it would make a fine place to hide. It was by far the last area his keepers would think to look. So making haste, therein he settled, thankful for his new-found freedom. Each time the big fellow moved, it felt like a sledge hammer beating on uncle Henry's head, hurting him like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if I live in solitaire
or if birds, a cat, a dog, or an elephant are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
With so many animals on his head, uncle Henry was having a real tough time holding it up. But since he STILL didn't want to have his hair cut, he decided it was the ANIMALS that had to go.
To accomplish that, he found a skunk and thrust the critter smack-dab into his unruly hair. Within a day, as the other creatures in uncle Henry's hair made contact with the skunk, each opted for a hasty exit.
Now with the skunk as watch dog, no other animal dared approach uncle Henry's hair.
BUT IT ALSO KEPT PEOPLE AWAY TOO!!!
So since uncle Henry wasn't welcome anywhere, he decided to move to the mountains where, in a cave, he lived a hermit's life for the rest of his days, just because he WOULDN'T cut his hair!!!
And that is why I go to the barber, even though I may not like it!!!
Tommy Payne's Pain
"DAAAAAAD!!" Tommy Payne yelled from his bed.
His dad, on hearing the call, was startled and dropped the dish he was drying. It fell to the floor and shattered into a gazzillion pieces.
His dad rushed off for his son's bedroom. In his haste, he failed to see the banana peel lying on the tiles. Making contact with the yellow fruit skin, his dad went SLIIIIDING across the kitchen, BAAAANGED into the wall, and SLIIIITHERED to the floor.
He gave a great big yell of his own, "OOOOOOH, BOOOY! Did THAT hurt!!"
His dad picked himself up, rubbed his sore spots, and proceeded to his son's room. When he reached it, he asked, "What is it son? What's wrong?"
"I can't get out of bed, dad! My back is killing me!! What should I do?"
For some strange reason, moving about helped his dad to think! So, even though he was still smarting from the fall, he ran around the bed 3 times, went up and down the stairs 4 times, and jogged around the block 5 times. When he got back to Tommy's room, huffing and puffing, he declared, "I've got it, son! We'll have to pay a visit to the chiropractor!!"
Lucky for them, due to a cancellation, they could be seen later that morning.
But Tommy could not walk. So, even though his dad was still hurting from the fall, he had to carry Tommy piggy-back. It caused people to raise their eyebrows, point and STAAAARE.
But his dad did not let it bother him. He slowly turned to each person, gave them a long RAAAAZZ, and said in a loud voice, "Why don't you take a PICTURE! It might LAST longer!!" The chiropractor had Tommy lie on the treatment table. When the chiropractor had finished examining Tommy, he stated his diagnosis, "Tommy, you have a pinched nerve! I'll give you some treatments and you'll be like new!!"
The chiropractor grabbed Tommy's head and slowly started PULLING. He PUUUULLEEEED and PUUUULLEEEED till his neck was stretched AAAAAALL the way across the room.
Tommy looked like a GIRAFFE! "How does that feel?" asked the chiropractor.
"VEEEERY nice!" Tommy said.
"Good!" stated the chiropractor.
He held Tommy's head in that position a while longer. Then he let it go and it SHOOOT back across the room, making wind sounds--SWOOOSH, SWIIISH--and finally SNAAAPPED back in place.
The chiropractor moved to the opposite end of the treatment table, standing by Tommy's feet. He grabbed a foot in each hand, LIIIIFTED the legs high, (REEEAAALLY high), CROOOOSSED them one over the other, and PUUUUSHED down hard, (REEEAAALY hard).
Tommy looked like a human PRETZEL!
"How does that feel?" asked the chiropractor.
"I LIIIIKE it!" Tommy said.
"Good!" stated the chiropractor.
He held Tommy's limbs in that position a while longer. Then he let go and they unwrapped like magic in twists and turns, making strange odd sounds--THWUUUMP, THWAAAT--and ending with a BOOOOINK onto the treatment table.
Proud of a job well done, the chiropractor said, "That should do it! Try getting up!"
As if touched by a faith healer, Tommy felt no more pain in his back. He raised himself up and was able to walk away on his own steam.
On another occasion soon after, Tommy had reason to call for his dad anew, "DAAAAAAD!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.
When his dad picked up on the call, he was in the process of shaving. It startled him so, that he NIIIICKED himself badly. Responding immediately, he dropped the razor and RUUUUSHED off with half his face still covered in shaving cream.
Being in such a haste, he did not spot the roller skate at the top of the stairs. Making contact with the black slippery object, he went ROOOOLLING down the stairs and came to rest on the floor with a tremendous THUUUMP.
He gave a roaring shout of his own, "OOOOOOH, BOOOY!" Did THAT hurt!!"
His dad picked himself up, massaged his sore spots and proceeded to his son's room. When he got there, he asked, "What is it, son? What's wrong?"
"My back pain is back! And I can't get out of bed!! What should I do?"
For some unknown reason, working out also helped his dad to think. So, even though he was still feeling the effects of the fall, he did 30 push-ups, 40 leg bends, and 50 jumping jacks. When he'd finished, wheezing and coughing, he declared, "I've got it, son! We'll go to an acupuncturist!!"
Luckily for them, due to a cancellation, they could go in later that morning.
But Tommy could not walk. And his dad was still too hurt and bruised from the fall. So he hauled his son in on a wheelbarrow.
The scene drew people's attention. They would stop and stare, point and GIIIIGLE.
But his dad didn't let it get to him. He would calmly turn to each person, FLAAAARE his nostrils, (which he was GOOOOD at), WIIIIGLE his ears, (which he was REAAAALLY GOOOOOD at), and end with a firm loud, "HUUUMPH!"
The acupuncturist had Tommy lie down on the treatment table. When the acupuncturist had finished with his examination, he exclaimed, "Tommy, your back muscles are AAALL knotted up! I'll give you a treatment and you'll feel like new!!"
When Tommy noticed the acupuncturist pull out his set of needles, Tommy asked, "What are you doing with those NEEEEEDLES?" "I'm going to STICK them in your back! Just relax." But if there was one thing that Tommy hated, it was NEEEEEDLES!!! He despised them even more than having to go to the dentist for R0OT CANAL!!! So, wether it was from pure ADRENALINE or one of those divine MIRACLE cures, he RAAAAISED himself off the treatment table, RAAAN out of the room, and DAAASHING past the waiting area, shouted, "DAAAAAAD, I'M LEAVING!! THEY HAVE NEEEEEDLES HERE!!!"
Surprisingly, Tommy was never troubled with his back pain again.
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A Grandma’s Gift
Gale was getting on in years, quickly approaching her 80th birthday.
One day, she stopped at the jeweler’s. She unhinged from her neck the locket she’d been given at age 2 by her very own grandma.
She handed it to the young man across the counter and said, “Young man, I need you to reline this locket and fit it with a new chain. Also, I’d like you to change the picture with this one of me!”
And she handed over a recent photo of herself.
“Yes, ma’am! I’ll call you when the work is done!”
A week later, she received the call and promptly went to pick up the locket.
Inspecting it thoroughly, she said, “You’ve done a fine job, young man. Thank you!”
She paid for it and left.
When she got home, she placed the locket in a fine jewelry box and wrapped it with pretty wrapping paper and a bow to match.
The next day, she gave it to her granddaughter, Abby, for her second birthday.
On opening the box and discovering the locket, Abby said, “Oh, grandma! It’s lovely. Can I wear it right away?”
“Yes, dear. Let me put in on for you!
“I hope you treasure this locket like I have, little one!” her grandma said as she secured it round Abby’s neck. “It was given to me by my own grandma.”
The locket looked stunning on Abby. She wore it always and when she touched it, thoughts of her grandma surfaced and filled her with an inner tranquility.
A few months later, her grandma passed away. At the funeral, Abby opened the locket for the first time and looked at the picture inside.
Though she could not read the words inscribed on the one half of the locket, it comforted her greatly to see the wrinkled smile of her grandma looking back at her.
As Abby grew older and learned to read, she could finally decipher the words on the locket opposite grandma’s picture.
They read:
“Darling one,
I’m with you
always!”
They were soothing words, re-assuring words. To know her grandma was watching over her made her feel safe and gave her comfort.
One day, Abby came home from school feeling sullen and depressed. She’d been picked on by bullies. She’d had her lunch stolen. And she’d received an “F” in spelling, which was her best subject.
To say she was utterly miserable could not properly describe her mood.
Forgoing the snack she usually had on coming home from school, she went straight to her room—her private sanctuary where no one but her and her cat was allowed.
She lay on her bed, reached for the locket, and opened it.
As she ran her fingers over it and gazed lovingly at her grandma’s picture, a warm soothing feeling swept over her.
Then she read the words:
“Darling one,
I’m with you
always!”
Memories of her grandma came flooding through and soon a blanket of warmth enveloped her, gently putting her spirit at ease.
As sure as day turns to night, the years slowly slipped away for Abby, and when hardship or sorrow struck, she’d turn to the locket for comfort.
Never once did the cherished relic fail to appease her.
Invariably, more years passed and then still more. By now, with Abby growing old, she found herself feeling the full impact of her age. So she decided the time was ripe for a visit to the jeweler.
On arriving at the shop, she proceeded to the counter. Then she unhinged from her neck the locket she’d been given at age 2 by her very own grandma.
She handed it to the young fellow behind the counter and said, “Young man...”
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The Bully
Jim was a sweet darling boy.
His family loved him dearly.
But they were very poor.
So Jim had to wear hand-me-downs or used clothing bought at second hand shops. It came not even close to designer fashion quality.
Because of it, he was teased miserably.
There was one boy in particular who loved to torment poor Jim. He was a big fellow and known as the school bully.
Today was like any other day.
As soon as Robert, which was the bully's name, saw Jim, he started into his teasing.
"Hey, Jimbo! You expecting a flood! Those pants are awfully short!"
"Leave me alone, Bob!"
"The name's ROBERT to you! Only my friends call be Bob."
"O.K., then. Leave me alone Robert!"
"And what do you have for lunch today?"
"None of your business! B...Robert!"
"Well, let's just see!"
Robert grabbed Jim's lunch bag and rifled through it. "Wow!" he declared. "A pop and a whole banana! I'm feeling hungry!"
And with that, the bully ate the banana and drank the pop.
"What am I going to have for lunch now?" declared Jim.
"You can go through the garbage. You'll probably find a good meal there!"
Just then the bell rang and each of the boys ran off to their class.
By the time school was out, Jim was really hungry, having had nothing to eat for the day. So he decided to take a short cut to make it faster getting home.
The short cut involved going through a construction site. There were many warning signs posted in clear view.
"DANGER" one read.
"OFF LIMITS" another read.
"POSITIVELY NO TRESPASSING" read another.
Jim had read them all and was well aware of the dangers.
But the site was empty since the workers had been on strike for a week.
So Jim felt he would take a chance and cut through.
There was a lot of debris he had to walk around.
There were boards with rusty nails sticking out.
There were half finished walls that looked like they might topple over.
There was a deep opening in the middle which was railed off and was to be the underground parking.
The rails did not look too secure and at one point, there was a board missing.
Jim would have to watch his step, he told himself, as he had to walk directly by it.
As he approached the section, he heard a voice calling out, "HELP! IS ANYBODY THERE?"
Jim thought he'd heard the voice before. But it was hard to tell coming from the pit and all.
Jim hurried to the edge. He lay on the ground and with only his head peering over the side, asked, "Are you HURT?"
"I think I broke my leg! You've got to help!!"
Hearing the voice from closer up, Jim thought he recognized it now!
"B...Robert? Is that YOU?"
"Yes! It's me."
It was the BULLY from school!
Jim thought of all the torment he'd suffered by Robert's cruel words and acts. His first instinct was to give out a big laugh at his tormentor's situation and then walk away.
But he thought how that would make him no better than Robert.
Instead, he said, "Robert, it's me. Jimbo!"
"I thought it might be! The sound is very strange down here. Look, the way I've treated you, I wouldn't blame you if you just left!"
"The thought crossed my mind. But no! You're in trouble, and I'm going to help!"
"Thanks, man!"
"Can you move at all?"
"No! I'm in too much pain!"
"Well there's no way I'll be able to get you out on my own. I'll have to go for help!"
So Jim rushed off toward the street where people were milling about.
He spotted a gentleman and went up to him, "Excuse me, sir? But would you have a cell phone?"
"Yes, I do!"
"Well, there's a boy who fell into the construction pit. He needs help! Can you call 911?"
Just in case it might be a prank, the gentleman wanted to see for himself. So he accompanied Jim back to the pit. Then confirming that what the boy said was true, he dialled 911.
The fire department was there in a flash.
Just as quickly they had the fallen boy out.
As Robert was being wheeled on the stretcher, he said to Jim, "Thanks so much for your help!"
"I'm sure you would have done the same for me, Robert!"
The bully thought about it and then said, "Yes, I suppose I would have! And by the way you can call be Bob!"
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The Christmas Gift
Christmas was fast approaching!
Jessica, a six year old, was all excited!
To make sure she was on Santa's list, she checked in with her mom, "Mom, have I been GOOD this year?"
Her mom was in the kitchen, making grill cheese sandwiches. "Yes dear, you have!" she answered.
"Do you think I was REALLY GOOD?"
"Yes dear, I do!"
"Would you say I was a PERFECT ANGEL then?"
"Yes dear, I'd say that!"
"You really MEAN it, mom?"
"Yes dear, I really MEAN it!"
"Cross your HEART and hope to die!"
"Yes dear, cross my HEART and hope to die!"
"Do you PINKY SWEAR?"
"Yes dear, I PINKY SWEAR!"
"Mom,...?"
Her mom cut her off, saying, "Look dear, you've been GOOD, REALLY GOOD, a PERFECT ANGEL in fact! I MEAN it, cross my HEART and hope to die. I even PINKY SWEAR on it!!"
With all her attention directed at her daughter, the grill cheese sandwiches had gone untended.
Now Jessica and her mom smelled something burning! As her mom turned towards the grill, she saw smoke rising from it. "Oh dear, Jessica!" she exclaimed. "I've gone and burnt the sandwiches!!
"Run along now. I'll have to start over!"
Jessica was happy to move on. She'd been told she was GOOD, REALLY GOOD, a PERFECT ANGEL even! For sure, she'd make Santa's list!
But, to be absolutely positive, she wanted a second opinion.
She rushed to her dad who was doing some work on his computer.
"Dad, have I been NICE this year?"
"Yes princess, you have!"
"Do you think I was REALLY NICE?"
"Yes princess, I do!"
"Would you say I was MISS PERFECT then?"
"Yes princess, I'd say that!"
"You really MEAN it, dad?"
"Yes princess, I really MEAN it!"
"On your word as a GENTLEMAN?"
"Yes princess, on my word as a GENTLEMAN!"
"SCOUT'S HONOUR?"
"Yes princess, SCOUT'S HONOUR!"
"Dad,...?"
Her dad cut her off, saying, "Listen princess, you've been NICE, REALLY NICE, MISS PERFECT in fact! I MEAN it, on my word as a GENTLEMAN. I give you my SCOUT'S HONOUR even!!"
Having devoted his time to Jessica, her dad was not concentrating on his work at the computer.
He pushed the wrong key by mistake and deleted his whole file. "Oh my, Jessica!" he complained. "I've just deleted my entire file!
"Run along now. I'll have to start over!"
Jessica skipped away, happy as a lark. She'd just been told that she was NICE, REALLY NICE, MISS PERFECT even! Now she knew for sure that she'd make Santa's list!!
She couldn't wait for Christmas to arrive!
On Christmas eve, Mrs. Jones, a close neighbour, came knocking at their door.
She was crying!
She explained that someone had broken into their home and taken all their presents! Now their 3 year old, Julie, would have no way of celebrating Christmas!!!
Jessica, who should have been sleeping, was at the top of the stairs, listening in.
She was sad, VERY sad to hear what had happened!
Next morning, Jessica came down as she usually did for Christmas.
Quickly looking over the presents, she noticed only one bearing her name. It was prettily wrapped and had the biggest bow she'd ever seen. The present was a huge one, SO huge, that there was no room for it under the tree.
Jessica KNEW there must be something wonderful inside!
But she did not move to open it.
Instead, as much as she'd anticipated this glorious event, she turned to her mom and said, "Mom, I want my present to go to Julie!"
"What are you saying dear? I thought you couldn't WAIT for this moment?"
"I couldn't, mom! But I heard what happened to Julie's presents!
"I don't want her feeling sad! So I want HER to have mine!"
"Oh Jessica! You've made me SOOOO proud!" said her mom.
She drew her daughter close and gave her a great big hug!
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The Little One
The relatives came to see the new baby.
There was none of the, "OOOHS and AAAHS!"
No comments like, "What a cute little thing!" or, "How adorable he is!"
Instead, the aunt stuck her nose over the bassinet and said, "EEK! He's all yellow!"
"He's just got a touch of jaundice!" the mother explained. "He'll get over it."
The uncle peered into the bassinet and said, "OH GOSH! He's so puny!"
"I'll feed him well!" the mother said. "He'll grow!"
The grandmother bent over the bassinet for a closer look and said, "OH MY! He's just skin and bones!"
"I'll give him plenty of vitamins and exercise!" the mother promised. "He'll get big and strong!"
The grandfather, using the bassinet to steady himself, looked in and said, "GEE! He cries an awful lot!"
"He's got colic!" the mother explained. "He'll grow out of it!"
The relatives left one by one, shaking their heads, not at all convinced by the mother's arguments.
The mother tended to her baby like a mother hen.
Soon the jaundice was gone and the baby's skin showed a nice pink glow.
"What a nice colour you have!" the proud mother said to him.
She fed him well. And the baby grew.
"Mama will have to get you new clothes. You don't fit those anymore!" the proud mother said to him.
She'd move his limbs about and offered resistance to his push and pulls to help him gain strength.
"My what a strong grip and kick you have!" the proud mother said to him.
The mother sang to the baby and always spoke in soothing words which made him happy and relaxed.
"What a quiet and good baby you are!" the proud mother said to him.
The relatives came for another visit.
The baby was now a toddler. He was sitting at the table colouring a book.
The aunt took one look and said, "His complexion is awfully reddish! Are you applying rouge on this boy?"
"No! That's just his natural colour!" remarked the proud mother.
The uncle looked in and said, "The boy's awfully big for his age! Are you overfeeding him?"
"No! The doctor says he's quite normal!" emphasized the proud mother.
The grandmother had a look and said, "The boy's got some muscles on him! Are you feeding him steroids?"
"No! Just plenty of vitamins, good food and exercise!" assured the proud mother.
The grandfather, supporting himself on the chair the boy was sitting on, took a look and said, "This boy is awfully quiet! Shouldn't he be more active?"
"No! Not while he's colouring!" remarked the proud mother.
The relatives left, rolling their eyes, not at all convinced by anything the mother had said.
In this way the toddler grew into a healthy young man.
He became a fire fighter and saved many lives.
One day, when he came home from work, he called to his mother as he always did, "Mom! I'm hooome!"
But there was no response.
So he went looking for her.
He found her collapsed on the bathroom floor!!
"MOM!!!" he yelled.
She did not respond.
He checked for a pulse and found one. Though it was weak.
He rushed to the phone to dial for 911.
The ambulance soon arrived and whisked his mother off to the hospital.
After all the tests were in, the doctor took the young man aside and said, "You're mother is suffering from exhaustion. Her heart has grown weak. So she's to take it easy from now on!"
The relatives came to visit at the hospital.
The young man's aunt looked in and said, "EEK! She's as white as a ghost!"
"She'll get her colour back once I get her out of here!" the young man guaranteed. "I'll make sure she gets plenty of fresh air and sunlight!"
The man's uncle peered in and said, "GOSH! She appears so sickly!"
"I'll feed her well when she gets out!" the young man vowed. "She'll pick right back up. You'll See!"
The young man's grandmother, who needed a cane now, took one look and said, "OH MY! She seems tired and frail!"
"I'll get her plenty of vitamins and exercise when she gets out!" the young man asserted. "That'll get her strength back!"
The young man's grandfather, using a wheel chair now, bent towards her for a look and said, "Doesn't say or do much, does she?"
"She's sedated for now!" the young man pointed out. "She'll perk up once she gets out!"
The relatives left, raising their eyebrows, not at all convinced by the young man's assurances.
Once the young man's mother had been discharged, he took a leave from work and doted over her day and night.
On bright sunny days, he took her for long walks in her wheel chair. Soon a lovely rosy glow returned to her cheeks.
"What a nice complexion you have!" the proud young man said.
The young man made her scrumptious meals. And the mother became healthy again.
"Now we can put aside this clumsy wheel chair and take long walks together!" the proud young man said.
The young man gave her supplements and surprised her with an exercise machine. And her constitution grew supple and strong.
"My, what strength you're gaining!" the proud young man said.
The young man enrolled her in night classes and social groups. And she thrived on all the activity.
"My, how busy as a beaver you are these days!" the proud young man said.
And so, in this way, the two carried on, sharing many happy moments together.
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The Visitor
It was cold out! VERY COLD!! And it was snowing so bad one could hardly see.
No human or animal ought to be out and about.
Three of Mrs. Brown's children were huddled by the fireside playing a game of Trouble.
Her fourth child, three year old Tanya, was in bed burning up with fever. Mrs. Brown had given her some medication and had washed her down in a bath of cool water.
But Tanya's body was not responding. The fever would not give up its hold!
Mrs. Brown was worried. She knew that if the fever did not break soon, her daughter might go into convulsions. She expressed her worries to her husband, "Doug, I can't get the fever down. I think we should take Tanya to the hospital!"
"I agree with you dear! But with this storm, I doubt if we'd make it!
"I think we should call for an ambulance!"
Just then, Tanya gave out a moan and said, "Mommy, it hurts!"
That made Doug rush to the phone and dial 911.
"Yes?" answered the emergency worker.
"We need an ambulance, please!"
"What is the problem, sir?"
"My daughter's burning up with fever!"
"Have you given her anything for it?"
"Yes! My wife gave her some medication. But it's not helping!"
"Has she sponge bathed your daughter with cool water?"
"Yes, she has! But it didn't do any good!"
"Okay, then! I'll send someone right away!"
"What's your address?"
"29 Primerose Lane. And please hurry!"
"We'll do our best, sir!"
Doug rushed back to Tanya's side. "The ambulance is on its way!" he said to his wife.
Ten minutes went by.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Doug dashed to the front entrance, amazed that the ambulance had made it this quick! On the way, he wondered why he hadn't heard sirens. But no matter. The ambulance was here now!
When Doug opened the front door, he was shocked at the form that greeted him. It was not an ambulance attendant standing there. Rather, before him stood an old haggard figure that was so covered in snow it seemed like a snowman was at the door step.
The figure spoke, "Please, sir. Can you provide some food and shelter?"
Overcoming his shock, Doug responded, "Sure, sure! Come in!"
The figure wiped at the snow covering him and removed as much of it as he could before stepping in. Then once inside, he took off his coat and shoes. "Bless you, sir!"
Doug said, "It's the least I could do! No man or beast should be out there!
"It's this way to the kitchen!"
The visitor followed Doug and sat at one of the chairs.
"What will you have?" Doug asked.
"Bread and water will do!"
"Are you sure that is all you need?"
"Yes! It'll do fine, thanks!"
Doug fetched the visitor a glass of water and two slices of bread. As he placed the items before the visitor, he once again asked, "Are you sure you won't have something to go with that bread?"
"This will do, thanks!"
By now, his wife was wondering why the ambulance attendants weren't coming for her daughter. So as much as she hated to leave Tanya's side, she went to investigate.
When she reached the kitchen and took in the scene, her jaw dropped. Then she said, "What's going on here, Doug? WHERE'S the ambulance?"
"Martha, there is no ambulance. It was this man who knocked on our door looking for food and shelter. So I offered him some!"
"Doug, Tanya's getting worse! We NEED the ambulance!"
"Ma'am, is someone sick?" the visitor asked.
"Yes! It's my daughter. She's burning up with fever!"
"You should go back to her side ma'am. I've got to be on my way, anyway."
"But you can't go back out there!" protested Doug.
"Don't worry about me. I've been in worse! Go back and tend to your daughter!"
Finishing off the last of his bread, the visitor head for the front door. He put on his coat and shoes and then left, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, and God bless you ALL!"
When Doug and Martha returned to Tanya's room, they found their daughter sitting up in bed.
On spotting them, Tanya said, "Mommy, I'm hungry!"
Martha rushed to her side and touched her forehead.
Tanya's skin was no longer hot!
THE FEVER WAS GONE!
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"I'm hungry!!" moaned the 5 year old.
"So am I, Lisa dear!" responded her mother. "Here. Have the last of the chocolates!"
With that nugget, all the food that they'd had in the car--the Pot of Gold chocolates, the fruitcake, and the small bottle of Perrier water--would be gone. Those goodies, intended for the Christmas party they were to attend, had all been given to Lisa, instead, to help her keep up her strength.
"It's cold in here!!" complained the girl, after devouring her nugget.
"I know, dear! I know!!" sympathized her mother, as she drew the child closer for added warmth and tucked the blanket they had draped over them tighter.
She turned to her husband and whispered, "George, can't you DO something?"
"What CAN I do?" he whispered back. Feeling helpless and frustrated, he wanted to shout the words but refrained from it for the sake of their child.
"Martha, you know as well as I that the car battery has koncked out! We have to sit and wait, and hope for the best!"
They'd been in their car 3 days now--ever since stranded on that remote road by a freak blizzard. It was supposed to have been a leisurely way of getting to the party. Instead, it had become their prison.
At first, they'd turned on the car's engine in short spurts to raise the temperature when it dropped too low. Now, with the battery dead, even that luxury was gone.
Worse, he and his wife had not eaten or taken liquids from the time they'd been stranded, having instead chosen to give the small amount they had to their daughter. So they were growing weak, and the cold was taking it's toll on them.
That night the temperature dropped to minus 20 celsius. With the wind chill factor thrown in, it made it seem like a killer 35 below.
Feeling the dreaded cold setting in, Lisa's parents had given up their own blankets to bundle their beloved child so she'd gather extra warmth.
Next morning, when Lisa woke, she called to her mother, "Mommy, I'm hungry!!"
But there was no response.
So she shook her to gain her attention.
Again no response.
Changing gears, she called on her dad, "Dad, I'm hungry!"
There was no response.
So she shook him as well to rouse him.
But there was no response.
Lisa was growing worried. She took a closer look at her parents and noted that there was a bluish tint to their lips. She touched their skin, and it felt cold.
In a deparate bid to rouse them, she shook first the one and then the other with all the strength she could muster.
She'd gotten a slight movement from both, and they'd let out a faint groan.
She knew then that her parents were in serious trouble, and she'd have to do something! But what?
The first thing coming to mind was that she had to warm them up! So she threw off the pile of blankets covering her and placed them over her parents' stiff bodies.
But there has to be MORE I can do! she told herself, as she racked her poor little brain!
All of a sudden, it came to her as clear as a summer's day. She recalled how she and her parents would make snow angels in the dead of winter. It was an activity her mom loved since, as she would say, gazing at the heavens while in the snow angel's embrace left her feeling protected and at peace.
So little Lisa knew what she had to do!!
She'd go outside and make her very own snow angel and call on it to watch over and protect her parents!
But the snow had accumulated around the car doors, and they would not open. She therefore had to roll the window down.
She pushed away at the snow that had gathered on the door's edge. It was cold and burned her hands. But she was determined to execute her plan and carried on. When all was cleared, she squeezed her body through the open window and fell onto the snow's surface.
Her body by now was shivering uncontrollably. But she would not stop. She lay down and started on her snow angel.
When she felt she'd made the best snow angel possible, she called on her creation and said, "Snow angel, please watch over and protect my parents!!!" And she continued to work on it for good measure.
Just then, a rescue plane, having been sent out to check the back roads following the freak blizzard, flew overhead.
It would have missed the car, seeing it was all covered in snow. But a motion, a tiny bitty motion--that of Lisa working on her snow angel--had caught the co-pilot's eye.
For more stories, visit: http://www.freewebs.com/mario5oo/
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Contents.
Uncle Henry's Hair
Busy Sam
Jimmy's Adventure
Beastie
Are You Listening?
Tommy Payne's Pain
A Grandma's Gift
The Bully
The Christmas Gift
The Little One
The Visitor
Snow Angel
"Uncle Henry's Hair" is a children's tale that I had Robert Munsch read.
He said it was a 'good' story.
I offer it up here for your enjoyment.
Uncle Henry's Hair
As a youngster, my uncle Henry always kept his hair neat and trim.
One day, shortly after turning six, he heard his mother say to a friend, "You know, I think plants have feelings! They seem to do so much better if I talk to them!"
This got uncle Henry thinking. What if his HAIR had feelings? Wouldn't that HURT IT to have it cut?
Just in case the answer was yes, he decided to never cut his hair again.
When the time came for his next hair cut, uncle Henry announced, "I'm NEVER cutting my hair again!"
"But son, you HAVE TO if you want to look DECENT!" said his mother.
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE how I look!"
So uncle Henry's hair grew. But without a barber's touch, his curly locks were soon a gruesome mess. People, young and old, would stop and stare when they passed him on the street.
Before long his hair was at shoulder length and all fluffed like a clown's. It looked so cosy that a male robin, scouting for a nesting site, thought it would make a fine place to live. He at once took up residence and finding a mate raised a family there. The baby birds would peck wildly at uncle Henry's head, annoying him like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if people stop and stare
or if birds are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew concerned about how her son looked. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to have friends!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about friends!"
So as uncle Henry got older, his hair grew even more. His looks, more repulsive than ever, scared children away, leaving him friendless and lonely.
By now his hair was so puffed out that a lost orange tabby, stuck in a tree, thought it would make a fine place to land. Straightaway onto it she leapt and found uncle Henry's hair such a comfy spot that she decided to stay. Now and then when her claws called for sharpening, she'd use uncle Henry's head as a scratch post, leaving his scalp raw and stinging like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if children I scare
or if birds or a cat are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew really concerned about all this. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to get a job!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about work!"
So as uncle Henry got older still, his hair continued to grow. Looking every bit a vagrant, no one would have him for hire. Hence without cash to spend, he had to make do from food found in garbage and by wearing worn-out clothing.
His hair was so bushy now that a stray male collie thought it would make a fine place for shelter. Thus in he jumped and with him came hordes of fleas who'd taken to his furry form for shelter of their own. The fleas, wishing to gratify their appetites, would venture forth onto uncle Henry's head, causing him from each bite inflicted to itch like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if used clothes I wear
or if birds, a cat, or a dog are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
Uncle Henry's mother grew more concerned than ever over his appearance. She said, "Son, you have to look DECENT if you want to find a wife!"
Uncle Henry answered, "I don't CARE about marrying!"
So as uncle Henry reached manhood, his hair grew without end. And since he looked shabby and frightful no girl would have him for a husband, forcing him to a solitary life.
His hair grew to such enormous proportions now that a young male elephant, who'd escaped from the circus, thought it would make a fine place to hide. It was by far the last area his keepers would think to look. So making haste, therein he settled, thankful for his new-found freedom. Each time the big fellow moved, it felt like a sledge hammer beating on uncle Henry's head, hurting him like CRAAAAAAAAAAZY!
But this is what he'd say to himself:
I don't care
if I live in solitaire
or if birds, a cat, a dog, or an elephant are there,
I WON'T cut my hair!
With so many animals on his head, uncle Henry was having a real tough time holding it up. But since he STILL didn't want to have his hair cut, he decided it was the ANIMALS that had to go.
To accomplish that, he found a skunk and thrust the critter smack-dab into his unruly hair. Within a day, as the other creatures in uncle Henry's hair made contact with the skunk, each opted for a hasty exit.
Now with the skunk as watch dog, no other animal dared approach uncle Henry's hair.
BUT IT ALSO KEPT PEOPLE AWAY TOO!!!
So since uncle Henry wasn't welcome anywhere, he decided to move to the mountains where, in a cave, he lived a hermit's life for the rest of his days, just because he WOULDN'T cut his hair!!!
And that is why I go to the barber, even though I may not like it!!!
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Busy Sam
One day, Sam's mother walked into his room and noticed the mess. Socks were hanging on the picture frames, clothes were bunched in a pile, toys were all over his bed, and food littered his desk.
So she gave a great big yell, "SAAAAM! When are you going to clean your room?"
Sam, who was busy playing with his new supersonic jet, answered, "I'm BUSY! I'll do it later!"
"Do it NOW!" shouted back his mother.
"Nnnno! Later!"
So his mother went to where he was , grabbed him by the ear, and led him to his room. "YOU'LL DO IT NOW!" she insisted, and waited outside his room till he was done.
On another occasion, Sam's mother walked into the rec room and noticed the mess. Toys were scattered here and there, books were off the shelf, play clothes lined the floor, the video game had been left on, and the T.V. was still blaring.
So she gave a great big yell, "SAAAAM! Come and clean the mess in the rec room!"
Sam, who was busy on the computer, answered, "I'm BUSY! I'll do it later!"
"Do it NOW!" shouted back his mother.
"Nnnno! Later!" So his mother went to where he was, grabbed him by the ear, and led him the rec room. "YOU'LL DO IT NOW!" she insisted, and waited outside the rec room till he was done.
On a further occasion, Sam's mother walked into the kitchen and noticed the mess. Sam was using the flour and had it all over the table. Egg shells were on the floor. Water was still running and had started to spill over. And Sam was covered from head to foot with the ingredients as if he were the one to be baked.
His mother gave a great big yell, "SAAAM! Clean up this mess!"
Sam kept working away and answered, "Mom, I'm busy making you a cake!"
Oh, what a DEAR! she thought. Sam had remembered her birthday!
She was flattered and felt awful for yelling at him.
All she could say was, "You keep working and I'll start tidying up!"
When their tasks were done, they baked the cake. Then, after supper, they had it for dessert.
It was the best cake Sam's mother had ever tasted, and she was quite proud of her busy boy.
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Are You Listening?
Julie came home from school,
dropped her books on the table, and said,
"Mom, I had an awful day.
Tommy put a frog in my pocket,
I fell and scraped my knees,
and I failed my math test!"
Her mother, who was reading a book,
took only a moment to answer,
"That's nice dear!"
Julie became annoyed and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
Julie repeated her story more loudly.
This time she exaggerated a bit.
"Mom, I had the worst day of my life.
Tommy scared me silly,
I almost broke my leg,
and I failed all my tests!"
Her mother, who had started cleaning,
took only a moment to answer,
"Not now dear, I have work to do!"
Julie became enraged, and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
Julie repeated her story even more loudly.
This time she exaggerated a lot.
"Mom, we've got to move.
Tommy is going to hurt me,
the school is unsafe,
and my teacher is going to fail me!"
Her mother, who had to leave on an errand,
took only a moment to answer,
"Julie, be a dear and mind you sister.
I've got to go!"
Julie turned blue, and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
But her mother had already gone.
While she was out, someone called,
and left an urgent message.
So when she returned home,
Julie tried to pass it on.
But her mother, who had supper to prepare,
cut her off and said,
"Julie, I'm busy now.
Go do you homework!"
So Julie did as she was told,
and her mother never did get the message!!!
One day, Sam's mother walked into his room and noticed the mess. Socks were hanging on the picture frames, clothes were bunched in a pile, toys were all over his bed, and food littered his desk.
So she gave a great big yell, "SAAAAM! When are you going to clean your room?"
Sam, who was busy playing with his new supersonic jet, answered, "I'm BUSY! I'll do it later!"
"Do it NOW!" shouted back his mother.
"Nnnno! Later!"
So his mother went to where he was , grabbed him by the ear, and led him to his room. "YOU'LL DO IT NOW!" she insisted, and waited outside his room till he was done.
On another occasion, Sam's mother walked into the rec room and noticed the mess. Toys were scattered here and there, books were off the shelf, play clothes lined the floor, the video game had been left on, and the T.V. was still blaring.
So she gave a great big yell, "SAAAAM! Come and clean the mess in the rec room!"
Sam, who was busy on the computer, answered, "I'm BUSY! I'll do it later!"
"Do it NOW!" shouted back his mother.
"Nnnno! Later!" So his mother went to where he was, grabbed him by the ear, and led him the rec room. "YOU'LL DO IT NOW!" she insisted, and waited outside the rec room till he was done.
On a further occasion, Sam's mother walked into the kitchen and noticed the mess. Sam was using the flour and had it all over the table. Egg shells were on the floor. Water was still running and had started to spill over. And Sam was covered from head to foot with the ingredients as if he were the one to be baked.
His mother gave a great big yell, "SAAAM! Clean up this mess!"
Sam kept working away and answered, "Mom, I'm busy making you a cake!"
Oh, what a DEAR! she thought. Sam had remembered her birthday!
She was flattered and felt awful for yelling at him.
All she could say was, "You keep working and I'll start tidying up!"
When their tasks were done, they baked the cake. Then, after supper, they had it for dessert.
It was the best cake Sam's mother had ever tasted, and she was quite proud of her busy boy.
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Jimmy's Adventure
"Jimmy!" his mom called. "Can you go to the store and buy a
pound of butter and a quart of milk?"
"Sure mom!"
"Here's the money. And please don't dilly-dally. I need those things for my baking!"
Jimmy had every intention of obeying his mom.
BUT,...On the way, he met a couple of his friends who were playing catch at the park.
"Hey, Jimmy!" said Max. "Want to join in?"
Jimmy loved playing ball, and he couldn't resist. "Sure, I can play for a bit!" he said.
They had great fun tossing the ball about from one to the other. Soon a few more of their friends showed up.
Max declared, "Hey! We've enough people to get a game going. Let's choose sides!"
The mention of the word "going" by his friend reminded Jimmy of what he was SUPPOSED to be doing. So he excused himself and rushed off to complete the task.
BUT,...Further on, was his favourite toy shop. He just couldn't walk by without peeking through the window! As he did so, with his nose pressed to the pane, his interest became fully roused, and he was lured in. He went up and down each aisle, his eyes bulging to take in all the neat stuff. And his hands, also busy, were over all those things he saw and wished he had.
The owner knew him by name. "How's Jimmy to-day?" he asked.
"Oh fine, Mr. Grey!"
"Are you here to buy or just browse?"
"I wish I COULD buy, but I don't have the money. I'm off on an errand for my mom!"
Having reminded himself of what he was SUPPOSED to by doing, he said his good-byes to Mr. Grey. Then he darted out and made a promise not to be diverted again.
BUT,...Just as he turned the corner, he saw a crowd of kids. Though he tried to look away and keep going, his curiosity got the better of him. And so he stepped closer for a clearer look. The kids were watching a magic show. And, as magic was Jimmy's next favourite thing to toys, he stayed.
The magician was a young fellow, no older than eleven or twelve. But his performance had the crowd fully riveted and highly keyed up.
He pulled a rabbit from his hat. And the kids, including Jimmy, went, "OUUUU and AAAAH!"
The young magician took a bow.
Then he grabbed coins from the air, pulled them from behind children's ears, and dropped them into a bucket.
The kids, including Jimmy, clapped wildly.
The young magician took another bow.
For his final performance, the young magician placed a dove in an empty wooden box. Then with the words, "Hocus, Pocus!" and a wave of his wand, he attempted a vanishing act.
When he re-opened the box, the dove was gone!
The kids, including Jimmy, clapped like crazy and shouted, "More! More!!"
The young magician took another bow.
Then he said, "I'm afraid that's it for now! Though I have balloons for you all before I go!"
The young magician's mention that he had to go, reminded Jimmy of his own chore.
So, even though balloons were being handed out, he tore himself away. He reached the variety store within seconds as it was only two doors down from where the magic show had been.
As Jimmy rushed inside, he called to the proprietor, "Mr. Quimby, I need....eh, I need....?"
"Yes, Jimmy. What is it?"
"I need....Ah, I forget! I'll have to go home and ask!"
By the time Jimmy got home, it was late. His mom first made sure he was alright. "Jimmy you had me worried. Is everything O.K.?"
"Yes mom, fine!"
"Well then, what TOOK you so long?"
Jimmy gave a full length explanation. "Well mom, I was all set to go. But at the park, I met some friends and stayed to play ball awhile. Then when I passed Mr. Grey's shop, I just couldn't resist going in to sneak a peek at all the goodies. A bit further on, I ran into a magic show. It was too hard to pass up and so I stayed for the full act.
"By the time I got to Mr. Quimby's, I'd forgotten what to get!"
"It seems you've had quite the adventure!" said his mom. "But it's too late now to go back to the store. So I'll have to put off the baking till tomorrow."
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Beastie
Freddy was in the living room, playing ever so quietly at his video game.
His mom called to him. "FREDDY! I'm going to the store for milk! Now you behave while I'm gone, you HEAR?"
"Yes, mommy!"
As soon as his mom was out the door, Beastie appeared.
"MESS ME MAKE!!!" said the imp, his vocabulary being very limited.
"NO! NO! NO! BEASTIE. PLEASE NO!!!" pleaded Freddy.
But as the plea went in one ear and out the other, the imp started with his mischief.
He poured juices on the living room carpet and spread ash from the fireplace all over the stains.
"NICE MESS!" said Beastie, chuckling.
Next, he emptied all the goods from the freezer and left them on the counter to thaw.
"GOOD MESS!" said Beastie, clapping his hands.
Finally, he got into the crayons and coloured all over the walls.
"FINE MESS!" said Beastie, jumping up and down.
At that very moment, Freddy's mom stepped through the door.
Beastie made a quick exit.
When Freddy's mom saw the MEEEESS, she yelled, "FREEEDDY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
Freddy came running to her and tried to explain, "Mom, it wasn't me! It was BEASTIE!"
"Now, you stop that NONSENSE this instant!" shouted his mom. "And tidy up your MEEEESS!!!"
Having no other choice, Freddy did as he was told.
But he was getting tired of taking blame for messes he hadn't made and, worse, having to tidy them up!!!
There had to be SOMETHING he could do to put a stop to it!
But what?
He thought and thought and thought!!!
Finally he had it!!!
He'd install hidden cameras to capture Beastie's mischief on tape!!!
Several days later, Freddy was in the living room, playing ever so nicely with his Lego.
His mom called to him. "FREDDY! I'm going to the gas station for gas! Now you behave while I'm gone, you HEAR?"
"Yes, mommy!"
As soon as his mom had left, Beastie made his appearance.
"MESS ME MAKE!!!" said the imp.
This time Freddy did not try pleading as he usually did. He simply said to himself, You go ahead Beastie! I'm ready for you!!!
Beastie started with his mischief.
He began in the living room first. He knocked precious knickknacks off the shelves and trampled on them for good measure.
"NICE MESS!" said Beastie, chuckling.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Beastie went to the kitchen next. He took utensils from the cupboards and scattered them all over.
"GOOD MESS!" said Beastie, clapping his hands.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Beastie hurried to the bathroom for his final deed. He splashed water everywhere and wrote on the mirror with lipstick.
"FINE MESS!" said Beastie, jumping up and down.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Just then his mom came home.
Beastie made a quick exit.
When Freddy's mom noticed the MEEEESS, she yelled, "FREEEDDY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
Freddy came running to her and explained, "Mom, it wasn't me! It was BEASTIE!"
"Now, you stop that NONSENSE this instant!' she shouted. "And tidy up your MEEEESS!!!"
"But mom, I have it AAAALL on tape!"
And he showed her.
His mom was shocked at what she saw. Sure enough, there on the tape was a strange little imp making AAAALL the mess and having a GRRREAT time doing it.
She felt awful for all the blame she'd laid on her son in the past.
She owed Freddy an apology. "I'm so sorry for doubting you, son!" she said. And she gave him a great big hug to show she meant it.
Beastie watched the scene from his hiding place. He was not at all happy that Freddy was not being blamed for the mess. If he could no longer get the little boy in trouble, there was no point in him staying on.
So Beastie packed his bags and left.
"Sure mom!"
"Here's the money. And please don't dilly-dally. I need those things for my baking!"
Jimmy had every intention of obeying his mom.
BUT,...On the way, he met a couple of his friends who were playing catch at the park.
"Hey, Jimmy!" said Max. "Want to join in?"
Jimmy loved playing ball, and he couldn't resist. "Sure, I can play for a bit!" he said.
They had great fun tossing the ball about from one to the other. Soon a few more of their friends showed up.
Max declared, "Hey! We've enough people to get a game going. Let's choose sides!"
The mention of the word "going" by his friend reminded Jimmy of what he was SUPPOSED to be doing. So he excused himself and rushed off to complete the task.
BUT,...Further on, was his favourite toy shop. He just couldn't walk by without peeking through the window! As he did so, with his nose pressed to the pane, his interest became fully roused, and he was lured in. He went up and down each aisle, his eyes bulging to take in all the neat stuff. And his hands, also busy, were over all those things he saw and wished he had.
The owner knew him by name. "How's Jimmy to-day?" he asked.
"Oh fine, Mr. Grey!"
"Are you here to buy or just browse?"
"I wish I COULD buy, but I don't have the money. I'm off on an errand for my mom!"
Having reminded himself of what he was SUPPOSED to by doing, he said his good-byes to Mr. Grey. Then he darted out and made a promise not to be diverted again.
BUT,...Just as he turned the corner, he saw a crowd of kids. Though he tried to look away and keep going, his curiosity got the better of him. And so he stepped closer for a clearer look. The kids were watching a magic show. And, as magic was Jimmy's next favourite thing to toys, he stayed.
The magician was a young fellow, no older than eleven or twelve. But his performance had the crowd fully riveted and highly keyed up.
He pulled a rabbit from his hat. And the kids, including Jimmy, went, "OUUUU and AAAAH!"
The young magician took a bow.
Then he grabbed coins from the air, pulled them from behind children's ears, and dropped them into a bucket.
The kids, including Jimmy, clapped wildly.
The young magician took another bow.
For his final performance, the young magician placed a dove in an empty wooden box. Then with the words, "Hocus, Pocus!" and a wave of his wand, he attempted a vanishing act.
When he re-opened the box, the dove was gone!
The kids, including Jimmy, clapped like crazy and shouted, "More! More!!"
The young magician took another bow.
Then he said, "I'm afraid that's it for now! Though I have balloons for you all before I go!"
The young magician's mention that he had to go, reminded Jimmy of his own chore.
So, even though balloons were being handed out, he tore himself away. He reached the variety store within seconds as it was only two doors down from where the magic show had been.
As Jimmy rushed inside, he called to the proprietor, "Mr. Quimby, I need....eh, I need....?"
"Yes, Jimmy. What is it?"
"I need....Ah, I forget! I'll have to go home and ask!"
By the time Jimmy got home, it was late. His mom first made sure he was alright. "Jimmy you had me worried. Is everything O.K.?"
"Yes mom, fine!"
"Well then, what TOOK you so long?"
Jimmy gave a full length explanation. "Well mom, I was all set to go. But at the park, I met some friends and stayed to play ball awhile. Then when I passed Mr. Grey's shop, I just couldn't resist going in to sneak a peek at all the goodies. A bit further on, I ran into a magic show. It was too hard to pass up and so I stayed for the full act.
"By the time I got to Mr. Quimby's, I'd forgotten what to get!"
"It seems you've had quite the adventure!" said his mom. "But it's too late now to go back to the store. So I'll have to put off the baking till tomorrow."
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Beastie
Freddy was in the living room, playing ever so quietly at his video game.
His mom called to him. "FREDDY! I'm going to the store for milk! Now you behave while I'm gone, you HEAR?"
"Yes, mommy!"
As soon as his mom was out the door, Beastie appeared.
"MESS ME MAKE!!!" said the imp, his vocabulary being very limited.
"NO! NO! NO! BEASTIE. PLEASE NO!!!" pleaded Freddy.
But as the plea went in one ear and out the other, the imp started with his mischief.
He poured juices on the living room carpet and spread ash from the fireplace all over the stains.
"NICE MESS!" said Beastie, chuckling.
Next, he emptied all the goods from the freezer and left them on the counter to thaw.
"GOOD MESS!" said Beastie, clapping his hands.
Finally, he got into the crayons and coloured all over the walls.
"FINE MESS!" said Beastie, jumping up and down.
At that very moment, Freddy's mom stepped through the door.
Beastie made a quick exit.
When Freddy's mom saw the MEEEESS, she yelled, "FREEEDDY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
Freddy came running to her and tried to explain, "Mom, it wasn't me! It was BEASTIE!"
"Now, you stop that NONSENSE this instant!" shouted his mom. "And tidy up your MEEEESS!!!"
Having no other choice, Freddy did as he was told.
But he was getting tired of taking blame for messes he hadn't made and, worse, having to tidy them up!!!
There had to be SOMETHING he could do to put a stop to it!
But what?
He thought and thought and thought!!!
Finally he had it!!!
He'd install hidden cameras to capture Beastie's mischief on tape!!!
Several days later, Freddy was in the living room, playing ever so nicely with his Lego.
His mom called to him. "FREDDY! I'm going to the gas station for gas! Now you behave while I'm gone, you HEAR?"
"Yes, mommy!"
As soon as his mom had left, Beastie made his appearance.
"MESS ME MAKE!!!" said the imp.
This time Freddy did not try pleading as he usually did. He simply said to himself, You go ahead Beastie! I'm ready for you!!!
Beastie started with his mischief.
He began in the living room first. He knocked precious knickknacks off the shelves and trampled on them for good measure.
"NICE MESS!" said Beastie, chuckling.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Beastie went to the kitchen next. He took utensils from the cupboards and scattered them all over.
"GOOD MESS!" said Beastie, clapping his hands.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Beastie hurried to the bathroom for his final deed. He splashed water everywhere and wrote on the mirror with lipstick.
"FINE MESS!" said Beastie, jumping up and down.
Freddy did not mind. He had it AAAALL on tape!
Just then his mom came home.
Beastie made a quick exit.
When Freddy's mom noticed the MEEEESS, she yelled, "FREEEDDY! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
Freddy came running to her and explained, "Mom, it wasn't me! It was BEASTIE!"
"Now, you stop that NONSENSE this instant!' she shouted. "And tidy up your MEEEESS!!!"
"But mom, I have it AAAALL on tape!"
And he showed her.
His mom was shocked at what she saw. Sure enough, there on the tape was a strange little imp making AAAALL the mess and having a GRRREAT time doing it.
She felt awful for all the blame she'd laid on her son in the past.
She owed Freddy an apology. "I'm so sorry for doubting you, son!" she said. And she gave him a great big hug to show she meant it.
Beastie watched the scene from his hiding place. He was not at all happy that Freddy was not being blamed for the mess. If he could no longer get the little boy in trouble, there was no point in him staying on.
So Beastie packed his bags and left.
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Are You Listening?
Julie came home from school,
dropped her books on the table, and said,
"Mom, I had an awful day.
Tommy put a frog in my pocket,
I fell and scraped my knees,
and I failed my math test!"
Her mother, who was reading a book,
took only a moment to answer,
"That's nice dear!"
Julie became annoyed and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
Julie repeated her story more loudly.
This time she exaggerated a bit.
"Mom, I had the worst day of my life.
Tommy scared me silly,
I almost broke my leg,
and I failed all my tests!"
Her mother, who had started cleaning,
took only a moment to answer,
"Not now dear, I have work to do!"
Julie became enraged, and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
Julie repeated her story even more loudly.
This time she exaggerated a lot.
"Mom, we've got to move.
Tommy is going to hurt me,
the school is unsafe,
and my teacher is going to fail me!"
Her mother, who had to leave on an errand,
took only a moment to answer,
"Julie, be a dear and mind you sister.
I've got to go!"
Julie turned blue, and declared,
"MOM! ARE YOU LISTENING?"
But her mother had already gone.
While she was out, someone called,
and left an urgent message.
So when she returned home,
Julie tried to pass it on.
But her mother, who had supper to prepare,
cut her off and said,
"Julie, I'm busy now.
Go do you homework!"
So Julie did as she was told,
and her mother never did get the message!!!
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"DAAAAAAD!!" Tommy Payne yelled from his bed.
His dad, on hearing the call, was startled and dropped the dish he was drying. It fell to the floor and shattered into a gazzillion pieces.
His dad rushed off for his son's bedroom. In his haste, he failed to see the banana peel lying on the tiles. Making contact with the yellow fruit skin, his dad went SLIIIIDING across the kitchen, BAAAANGED into the wall, and SLIIIITHERED to the floor.
He gave a great big yell of his own, "OOOOOOH, BOOOY! Did THAT hurt!!"
His dad picked himself up, rubbed his sore spots, and proceeded to his son's room. When he reached it, he asked, "What is it son? What's wrong?"
"I can't get out of bed, dad! My back is killing me!! What should I do?"
For some strange reason, moving about helped his dad to think! So, even though he was still smarting from the fall, he ran around the bed 3 times, went up and down the stairs 4 times, and jogged around the block 5 times. When he got back to Tommy's room, huffing and puffing, he declared, "I've got it, son! We'll have to pay a visit to the chiropractor!!"
Lucky for them, due to a cancellation, they could be seen later that morning.
But Tommy could not walk. So, even though his dad was still hurting from the fall, he had to carry Tommy piggy-back. It caused people to raise their eyebrows, point and STAAAARE.
But his dad did not let it bother him. He slowly turned to each person, gave them a long RAAAAZZ, and said in a loud voice, "Why don't you take a PICTURE! It might LAST longer!!" The chiropractor had Tommy lie on the treatment table. When the chiropractor had finished examining Tommy, he stated his diagnosis, "Tommy, you have a pinched nerve! I'll give you some treatments and you'll be like new!!"
The chiropractor grabbed Tommy's head and slowly started PULLING. He PUUUULLEEEED and PUUUULLEEEED till his neck was stretched AAAAAALL the way across the room.
Tommy looked like a GIRAFFE! "How does that feel?" asked the chiropractor.
"VEEEERY nice!" Tommy said.
"Good!" stated the chiropractor.
He held Tommy's head in that position a while longer. Then he let it go and it SHOOOT back across the room, making wind sounds--SWOOOSH, SWIIISH--and finally SNAAAPPED back in place.
The chiropractor moved to the opposite end of the treatment table, standing by Tommy's feet. He grabbed a foot in each hand, LIIIIFTED the legs high, (REEEAAALLY high), CROOOOSSED them one over the other, and PUUUUSHED down hard, (REEEAAALY hard).
Tommy looked like a human PRETZEL!
"How does that feel?" asked the chiropractor.
"I LIIIIKE it!" Tommy said.
"Good!" stated the chiropractor.
He held Tommy's limbs in that position a while longer. Then he let go and they unwrapped like magic in twists and turns, making strange odd sounds--THWUUUMP, THWAAAT--and ending with a BOOOOINK onto the treatment table.
Proud of a job well done, the chiropractor said, "That should do it! Try getting up!"
As if touched by a faith healer, Tommy felt no more pain in his back. He raised himself up and was able to walk away on his own steam.
On another occasion soon after, Tommy had reason to call for his dad anew, "DAAAAAAD!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.
When his dad picked up on the call, he was in the process of shaving. It startled him so, that he NIIIICKED himself badly. Responding immediately, he dropped the razor and RUUUUSHED off with half his face still covered in shaving cream.
Being in such a haste, he did not spot the roller skate at the top of the stairs. Making contact with the black slippery object, he went ROOOOLLING down the stairs and came to rest on the floor with a tremendous THUUUMP.
He gave a roaring shout of his own, "OOOOOOH, BOOOY!" Did THAT hurt!!"
His dad picked himself up, massaged his sore spots and proceeded to his son's room. When he got there, he asked, "What is it, son? What's wrong?"
"My back pain is back! And I can't get out of bed!! What should I do?"
For some unknown reason, working out also helped his dad to think. So, even though he was still feeling the effects of the fall, he did 30 push-ups, 40 leg bends, and 50 jumping jacks. When he'd finished, wheezing and coughing, he declared, "I've got it, son! We'll go to an acupuncturist!!"
Luckily for them, due to a cancellation, they could go in later that morning.
But Tommy could not walk. And his dad was still too hurt and bruised from the fall. So he hauled his son in on a wheelbarrow.
The scene drew people's attention. They would stop and stare, point and GIIIIGLE.
But his dad didn't let it get to him. He would calmly turn to each person, FLAAAARE his nostrils, (which he was GOOOOD at), WIIIIGLE his ears, (which he was REAAAALLY GOOOOOD at), and end with a firm loud, "HUUUMPH!"
The acupuncturist had Tommy lie down on the treatment table. When the acupuncturist had finished with his examination, he exclaimed, "Tommy, your back muscles are AAALL knotted up! I'll give you a treatment and you'll feel like new!!"
When Tommy noticed the acupuncturist pull out his set of needles, Tommy asked, "What are you doing with those NEEEEEDLES?" "I'm going to STICK them in your back! Just relax." But if there was one thing that Tommy hated, it was NEEEEEDLES!!! He despised them even more than having to go to the dentist for R0OT CANAL!!! So, wether it was from pure ADRENALINE or one of those divine MIRACLE cures, he RAAAAISED himself off the treatment table, RAAAN out of the room, and DAAASHING past the waiting area, shouted, "DAAAAAAD, I'M LEAVING!! THEY HAVE NEEEEEDLES HERE!!!"
Surprisingly, Tommy was never troubled with his back pain again.
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A Grandma’s Gift
Gale was getting on in years, quickly approaching her 80th birthday.
One day, she stopped at the jeweler’s. She unhinged from her neck the locket she’d been given at age 2 by her very own grandma.
She handed it to the young man across the counter and said, “Young man, I need you to reline this locket and fit it with a new chain. Also, I’d like you to change the picture with this one of me!”
And she handed over a recent photo of herself.
“Yes, ma’am! I’ll call you when the work is done!”
A week later, she received the call and promptly went to pick up the locket.
Inspecting it thoroughly, she said, “You’ve done a fine job, young man. Thank you!”
She paid for it and left.
When she got home, she placed the locket in a fine jewelry box and wrapped it with pretty wrapping paper and a bow to match.
The next day, she gave it to her granddaughter, Abby, for her second birthday.
On opening the box and discovering the locket, Abby said, “Oh, grandma! It’s lovely. Can I wear it right away?”
“Yes, dear. Let me put in on for you!
“I hope you treasure this locket like I have, little one!” her grandma said as she secured it round Abby’s neck. “It was given to me by my own grandma.”
The locket looked stunning on Abby. She wore it always and when she touched it, thoughts of her grandma surfaced and filled her with an inner tranquility.
A few months later, her grandma passed away. At the funeral, Abby opened the locket for the first time and looked at the picture inside.
Though she could not read the words inscribed on the one half of the locket, it comforted her greatly to see the wrinkled smile of her grandma looking back at her.
As Abby grew older and learned to read, she could finally decipher the words on the locket opposite grandma’s picture.
They read:
“Darling one,
I’m with you
always!”
They were soothing words, re-assuring words. To know her grandma was watching over her made her feel safe and gave her comfort.
One day, Abby came home from school feeling sullen and depressed. She’d been picked on by bullies. She’d had her lunch stolen. And she’d received an “F” in spelling, which was her best subject.
To say she was utterly miserable could not properly describe her mood.
Forgoing the snack she usually had on coming home from school, she went straight to her room—her private sanctuary where no one but her and her cat was allowed.
She lay on her bed, reached for the locket, and opened it.
As she ran her fingers over it and gazed lovingly at her grandma’s picture, a warm soothing feeling swept over her.
Then she read the words:
“Darling one,
I’m with you
always!”
Memories of her grandma came flooding through and soon a blanket of warmth enveloped her, gently putting her spirit at ease.
As sure as day turns to night, the years slowly slipped away for Abby, and when hardship or sorrow struck, she’d turn to the locket for comfort.
Never once did the cherished relic fail to appease her.
Invariably, more years passed and then still more. By now, with Abby growing old, she found herself feeling the full impact of her age. So she decided the time was ripe for a visit to the jeweler.
On arriving at the shop, she proceeded to the counter. Then she unhinged from her neck the locket she’d been given at age 2 by her very own grandma.
She handed it to the young fellow behind the counter and said, “Young man...”
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The Bully
Jim was a sweet darling boy.
His family loved him dearly.
But they were very poor.
So Jim had to wear hand-me-downs or used clothing bought at second hand shops. It came not even close to designer fashion quality.
Because of it, he was teased miserably.
There was one boy in particular who loved to torment poor Jim. He was a big fellow and known as the school bully.
Today was like any other day.
As soon as Robert, which was the bully's name, saw Jim, he started into his teasing.
"Hey, Jimbo! You expecting a flood! Those pants are awfully short!"
"Leave me alone, Bob!"
"The name's ROBERT to you! Only my friends call be Bob."
"O.K., then. Leave me alone Robert!"
"And what do you have for lunch today?"
"None of your business! B...Robert!"
"Well, let's just see!"
Robert grabbed Jim's lunch bag and rifled through it. "Wow!" he declared. "A pop and a whole banana! I'm feeling hungry!"
And with that, the bully ate the banana and drank the pop.
"What am I going to have for lunch now?" declared Jim.
"You can go through the garbage. You'll probably find a good meal there!"
Just then the bell rang and each of the boys ran off to their class.
By the time school was out, Jim was really hungry, having had nothing to eat for the day. So he decided to take a short cut to make it faster getting home.
The short cut involved going through a construction site. There were many warning signs posted in clear view.
"DANGER" one read.
"OFF LIMITS" another read.
"POSITIVELY NO TRESPASSING" read another.
Jim had read them all and was well aware of the dangers.
But the site was empty since the workers had been on strike for a week.
So Jim felt he would take a chance and cut through.
There was a lot of debris he had to walk around.
There were boards with rusty nails sticking out.
There were half finished walls that looked like they might topple over.
There was a deep opening in the middle which was railed off and was to be the underground parking.
The rails did not look too secure and at one point, there was a board missing.
Jim would have to watch his step, he told himself, as he had to walk directly by it.
As he approached the section, he heard a voice calling out, "HELP! IS ANYBODY THERE?"
Jim thought he'd heard the voice before. But it was hard to tell coming from the pit and all.
Jim hurried to the edge. He lay on the ground and with only his head peering over the side, asked, "Are you HURT?"
"I think I broke my leg! You've got to help!!"
Hearing the voice from closer up, Jim thought he recognized it now!
"B...Robert? Is that YOU?"
"Yes! It's me."
It was the BULLY from school!
Jim thought of all the torment he'd suffered by Robert's cruel words and acts. His first instinct was to give out a big laugh at his tormentor's situation and then walk away.
But he thought how that would make him no better than Robert.
Instead, he said, "Robert, it's me. Jimbo!"
"I thought it might be! The sound is very strange down here. Look, the way I've treated you, I wouldn't blame you if you just left!"
"The thought crossed my mind. But no! You're in trouble, and I'm going to help!"
"Thanks, man!"
"Can you move at all?"
"No! I'm in too much pain!"
"Well there's no way I'll be able to get you out on my own. I'll have to go for help!"
So Jim rushed off toward the street where people were milling about.
He spotted a gentleman and went up to him, "Excuse me, sir? But would you have a cell phone?"
"Yes, I do!"
"Well, there's a boy who fell into the construction pit. He needs help! Can you call 911?"
Just in case it might be a prank, the gentleman wanted to see for himself. So he accompanied Jim back to the pit. Then confirming that what the boy said was true, he dialled 911.
The fire department was there in a flash.
Just as quickly they had the fallen boy out.
As Robert was being wheeled on the stretcher, he said to Jim, "Thanks so much for your help!"
"I'm sure you would have done the same for me, Robert!"
The bully thought about it and then said, "Yes, I suppose I would have! And by the way you can call be Bob!"
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The Christmas Gift
Christmas was fast approaching!
Jessica, a six year old, was all excited!
To make sure she was on Santa's list, she checked in with her mom, "Mom, have I been GOOD this year?"
Her mom was in the kitchen, making grill cheese sandwiches. "Yes dear, you have!" she answered.
"Do you think I was REALLY GOOD?"
"Yes dear, I do!"
"Would you say I was a PERFECT ANGEL then?"
"Yes dear, I'd say that!"
"You really MEAN it, mom?"
"Yes dear, I really MEAN it!"
"Cross your HEART and hope to die!"
"Yes dear, cross my HEART and hope to die!"
"Do you PINKY SWEAR?"
"Yes dear, I PINKY SWEAR!"
"Mom,...?"
Her mom cut her off, saying, "Look dear, you've been GOOD, REALLY GOOD, a PERFECT ANGEL in fact! I MEAN it, cross my HEART and hope to die. I even PINKY SWEAR on it!!"
With all her attention directed at her daughter, the grill cheese sandwiches had gone untended.
Now Jessica and her mom smelled something burning! As her mom turned towards the grill, she saw smoke rising from it. "Oh dear, Jessica!" she exclaimed. "I've gone and burnt the sandwiches!!
"Run along now. I'll have to start over!"
Jessica was happy to move on. She'd been told she was GOOD, REALLY GOOD, a PERFECT ANGEL even! For sure, she'd make Santa's list!
But, to be absolutely positive, she wanted a second opinion.
She rushed to her dad who was doing some work on his computer.
"Dad, have I been NICE this year?"
"Yes princess, you have!"
"Do you think I was REALLY NICE?"
"Yes princess, I do!"
"Would you say I was MISS PERFECT then?"
"Yes princess, I'd say that!"
"You really MEAN it, dad?"
"Yes princess, I really MEAN it!"
"On your word as a GENTLEMAN?"
"Yes princess, on my word as a GENTLEMAN!"
"SCOUT'S HONOUR?"
"Yes princess, SCOUT'S HONOUR!"
"Dad,...?"
Her dad cut her off, saying, "Listen princess, you've been NICE, REALLY NICE, MISS PERFECT in fact! I MEAN it, on my word as a GENTLEMAN. I give you my SCOUT'S HONOUR even!!"
Having devoted his time to Jessica, her dad was not concentrating on his work at the computer.
He pushed the wrong key by mistake and deleted his whole file. "Oh my, Jessica!" he complained. "I've just deleted my entire file!
"Run along now. I'll have to start over!"
Jessica skipped away, happy as a lark. She'd just been told that she was NICE, REALLY NICE, MISS PERFECT even! Now she knew for sure that she'd make Santa's list!!
She couldn't wait for Christmas to arrive!
On Christmas eve, Mrs. Jones, a close neighbour, came knocking at their door.
She was crying!
She explained that someone had broken into their home and taken all their presents! Now their 3 year old, Julie, would have no way of celebrating Christmas!!!
Jessica, who should have been sleeping, was at the top of the stairs, listening in.
She was sad, VERY sad to hear what had happened!
Next morning, Jessica came down as she usually did for Christmas.
Quickly looking over the presents, she noticed only one bearing her name. It was prettily wrapped and had the biggest bow she'd ever seen. The present was a huge one, SO huge, that there was no room for it under the tree.
Jessica KNEW there must be something wonderful inside!
But she did not move to open it.
Instead, as much as she'd anticipated this glorious event, she turned to her mom and said, "Mom, I want my present to go to Julie!"
"What are you saying dear? I thought you couldn't WAIT for this moment?"
"I couldn't, mom! But I heard what happened to Julie's presents!
"I don't want her feeling sad! So I want HER to have mine!"
"Oh Jessica! You've made me SOOOO proud!" said her mom.
She drew her daughter close and gave her a great big hug!
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The Little One
The relatives came to see the new baby.
There was none of the, "OOOHS and AAAHS!"
No comments like, "What a cute little thing!" or, "How adorable he is!"
Instead, the aunt stuck her nose over the bassinet and said, "EEK! He's all yellow!"
"He's just got a touch of jaundice!" the mother explained. "He'll get over it."
The uncle peered into the bassinet and said, "OH GOSH! He's so puny!"
"I'll feed him well!" the mother said. "He'll grow!"
The grandmother bent over the bassinet for a closer look and said, "OH MY! He's just skin and bones!"
"I'll give him plenty of vitamins and exercise!" the mother promised. "He'll get big and strong!"
The grandfather, using the bassinet to steady himself, looked in and said, "GEE! He cries an awful lot!"
"He's got colic!" the mother explained. "He'll grow out of it!"
The relatives left one by one, shaking their heads, not at all convinced by the mother's arguments.
The mother tended to her baby like a mother hen.
Soon the jaundice was gone and the baby's skin showed a nice pink glow.
"What a nice colour you have!" the proud mother said to him.
She fed him well. And the baby grew.
"Mama will have to get you new clothes. You don't fit those anymore!" the proud mother said to him.
She'd move his limbs about and offered resistance to his push and pulls to help him gain strength.
"My what a strong grip and kick you have!" the proud mother said to him.
The mother sang to the baby and always spoke in soothing words which made him happy and relaxed.
"What a quiet and good baby you are!" the proud mother said to him.
The relatives came for another visit.
The baby was now a toddler. He was sitting at the table colouring a book.
The aunt took one look and said, "His complexion is awfully reddish! Are you applying rouge on this boy?"
"No! That's just his natural colour!" remarked the proud mother.
The uncle looked in and said, "The boy's awfully big for his age! Are you overfeeding him?"
"No! The doctor says he's quite normal!" emphasized the proud mother.
The grandmother had a look and said, "The boy's got some muscles on him! Are you feeding him steroids?"
"No! Just plenty of vitamins, good food and exercise!" assured the proud mother.
The grandfather, supporting himself on the chair the boy was sitting on, took a look and said, "This boy is awfully quiet! Shouldn't he be more active?"
"No! Not while he's colouring!" remarked the proud mother.
The relatives left, rolling their eyes, not at all convinced by anything the mother had said.
In this way the toddler grew into a healthy young man.
He became a fire fighter and saved many lives.
One day, when he came home from work, he called to his mother as he always did, "Mom! I'm hooome!"
But there was no response.
So he went looking for her.
He found her collapsed on the bathroom floor!!
"MOM!!!" he yelled.
She did not respond.
He checked for a pulse and found one. Though it was weak.
He rushed to the phone to dial for 911.
The ambulance soon arrived and whisked his mother off to the hospital.
After all the tests were in, the doctor took the young man aside and said, "You're mother is suffering from exhaustion. Her heart has grown weak. So she's to take it easy from now on!"
The relatives came to visit at the hospital.
The young man's aunt looked in and said, "EEK! She's as white as a ghost!"
"She'll get her colour back once I get her out of here!" the young man guaranteed. "I'll make sure she gets plenty of fresh air and sunlight!"
The man's uncle peered in and said, "GOSH! She appears so sickly!"
"I'll feed her well when she gets out!" the young man vowed. "She'll pick right back up. You'll See!"
The young man's grandmother, who needed a cane now, took one look and said, "OH MY! She seems tired and frail!"
"I'll get her plenty of vitamins and exercise when she gets out!" the young man asserted. "That'll get her strength back!"
The young man's grandfather, using a wheel chair now, bent towards her for a look and said, "Doesn't say or do much, does she?"
"She's sedated for now!" the young man pointed out. "She'll perk up once she gets out!"
The relatives left, raising their eyebrows, not at all convinced by the young man's assurances.
Once the young man's mother had been discharged, he took a leave from work and doted over her day and night.
On bright sunny days, he took her for long walks in her wheel chair. Soon a lovely rosy glow returned to her cheeks.
"What a nice complexion you have!" the proud young man said.
The young man made her scrumptious meals. And the mother became healthy again.
"Now we can put aside this clumsy wheel chair and take long walks together!" the proud young man said.
The young man gave her supplements and surprised her with an exercise machine. And her constitution grew supple and strong.
"My, what strength you're gaining!" the proud young man said.
The young man enrolled her in night classes and social groups. And she thrived on all the activity.
"My, how busy as a beaver you are these days!" the proud young man said.
And so, in this way, the two carried on, sharing many happy moments together.
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The Visitor
It was cold out! VERY COLD!! And it was snowing so bad one could hardly see.
No human or animal ought to be out and about.
Three of Mrs. Brown's children were huddled by the fireside playing a game of Trouble.
Her fourth child, three year old Tanya, was in bed burning up with fever. Mrs. Brown had given her some medication and had washed her down in a bath of cool water.
But Tanya's body was not responding. The fever would not give up its hold!
Mrs. Brown was worried. She knew that if the fever did not break soon, her daughter might go into convulsions. She expressed her worries to her husband, "Doug, I can't get the fever down. I think we should take Tanya to the hospital!"
"I agree with you dear! But with this storm, I doubt if we'd make it!
"I think we should call for an ambulance!"
Just then, Tanya gave out a moan and said, "Mommy, it hurts!"
That made Doug rush to the phone and dial 911.
"Yes?" answered the emergency worker.
"We need an ambulance, please!"
"What is the problem, sir?"
"My daughter's burning up with fever!"
"Have you given her anything for it?"
"Yes! My wife gave her some medication. But it's not helping!"
"Has she sponge bathed your daughter with cool water?"
"Yes, she has! But it didn't do any good!"
"Okay, then! I'll send someone right away!"
"What's your address?"
"29 Primerose Lane. And please hurry!"
"We'll do our best, sir!"
Doug rushed back to Tanya's side. "The ambulance is on its way!" he said to his wife.
Ten minutes went by.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Doug dashed to the front entrance, amazed that the ambulance had made it this quick! On the way, he wondered why he hadn't heard sirens. But no matter. The ambulance was here now!
When Doug opened the front door, he was shocked at the form that greeted him. It was not an ambulance attendant standing there. Rather, before him stood an old haggard figure that was so covered in snow it seemed like a snowman was at the door step.
The figure spoke, "Please, sir. Can you provide some food and shelter?"
Overcoming his shock, Doug responded, "Sure, sure! Come in!"
The figure wiped at the snow covering him and removed as much of it as he could before stepping in. Then once inside, he took off his coat and shoes. "Bless you, sir!"
Doug said, "It's the least I could do! No man or beast should be out there!
"It's this way to the kitchen!"
The visitor followed Doug and sat at one of the chairs.
"What will you have?" Doug asked.
"Bread and water will do!"
"Are you sure that is all you need?"
"Yes! It'll do fine, thanks!"
Doug fetched the visitor a glass of water and two slices of bread. As he placed the items before the visitor, he once again asked, "Are you sure you won't have something to go with that bread?"
"This will do, thanks!"
By now, his wife was wondering why the ambulance attendants weren't coming for her daughter. So as much as she hated to leave Tanya's side, she went to investigate.
When she reached the kitchen and took in the scene, her jaw dropped. Then she said, "What's going on here, Doug? WHERE'S the ambulance?"
"Martha, there is no ambulance. It was this man who knocked on our door looking for food and shelter. So I offered him some!"
"Doug, Tanya's getting worse! We NEED the ambulance!"
"Ma'am, is someone sick?" the visitor asked.
"Yes! It's my daughter. She's burning up with fever!"
"You should go back to her side ma'am. I've got to be on my way, anyway."
"But you can't go back out there!" protested Doug.
"Don't worry about me. I've been in worse! Go back and tend to your daughter!"
Finishing off the last of his bread, the visitor head for the front door. He put on his coat and shoes and then left, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, and God bless you ALL!"
When Doug and Martha returned to Tanya's room, they found their daughter sitting up in bed.
On spotting them, Tanya said, "Mommy, I'm hungry!"
Martha rushed to her side and touched her forehead.
Tanya's skin was no longer hot!
THE FEVER WAS GONE!
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"I'm hungry!!" moaned the 5 year old.
"So am I, Lisa dear!" responded her mother. "Here. Have the last of the chocolates!"
With that nugget, all the food that they'd had in the car--the Pot of Gold chocolates, the fruitcake, and the small bottle of Perrier water--would be gone. Those goodies, intended for the Christmas party they were to attend, had all been given to Lisa, instead, to help her keep up her strength.
"It's cold in here!!" complained the girl, after devouring her nugget.
"I know, dear! I know!!" sympathized her mother, as she drew the child closer for added warmth and tucked the blanket they had draped over them tighter.
She turned to her husband and whispered, "George, can't you DO something?"
"What CAN I do?" he whispered back. Feeling helpless and frustrated, he wanted to shout the words but refrained from it for the sake of their child.
"Martha, you know as well as I that the car battery has koncked out! We have to sit and wait, and hope for the best!"
They'd been in their car 3 days now--ever since stranded on that remote road by a freak blizzard. It was supposed to have been a leisurely way of getting to the party. Instead, it had become their prison.
At first, they'd turned on the car's engine in short spurts to raise the temperature when it dropped too low. Now, with the battery dead, even that luxury was gone.
Worse, he and his wife had not eaten or taken liquids from the time they'd been stranded, having instead chosen to give the small amount they had to their daughter. So they were growing weak, and the cold was taking it's toll on them.
That night the temperature dropped to minus 20 celsius. With the wind chill factor thrown in, it made it seem like a killer 35 below.
Feeling the dreaded cold setting in, Lisa's parents had given up their own blankets to bundle their beloved child so she'd gather extra warmth.
Next morning, when Lisa woke, she called to her mother, "Mommy, I'm hungry!!"
But there was no response.
So she shook her to gain her attention.
Again no response.
Changing gears, she called on her dad, "Dad, I'm hungry!"
There was no response.
So she shook him as well to rouse him.
But there was no response.
Lisa was growing worried. She took a closer look at her parents and noted that there was a bluish tint to their lips. She touched their skin, and it felt cold.
In a deparate bid to rouse them, she shook first the one and then the other with all the strength she could muster.
She'd gotten a slight movement from both, and they'd let out a faint groan.
She knew then that her parents were in serious trouble, and she'd have to do something! But what?
The first thing coming to mind was that she had to warm them up! So she threw off the pile of blankets covering her and placed them over her parents' stiff bodies.
But there has to be MORE I can do! she told herself, as she racked her poor little brain!
All of a sudden, it came to her as clear as a summer's day. She recalled how she and her parents would make snow angels in the dead of winter. It was an activity her mom loved since, as she would say, gazing at the heavens while in the snow angel's embrace left her feeling protected and at peace.
So little Lisa knew what she had to do!!
She'd go outside and make her very own snow angel and call on it to watch over and protect her parents!
But the snow had accumulated around the car doors, and they would not open. She therefore had to roll the window down.
She pushed away at the snow that had gathered on the door's edge. It was cold and burned her hands. But she was determined to execute her plan and carried on. When all was cleared, she squeezed her body through the open window and fell onto the snow's surface.
Her body by now was shivering uncontrollably. But she would not stop. She lay down and started on her snow angel.
When she felt she'd made the best snow angel possible, she called on her creation and said, "Snow angel, please watch over and protect my parents!!!" And she continued to work on it for good measure.
Just then, a rescue plane, having been sent out to check the back roads following the freak blizzard, flew overhead.
It would have missed the car, seeing it was all covered in snow. But a motion, a tiny bitty motion--that of Lisa working on her snow angel--had caught the co-pilot's eye.
For more stories, visit: http://www.freewebs.com/mario5oo/
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