All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

The Day of the Dead, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are upon us. Who has touched your life and passed away that you would like to remember? (Please feel free to add their names in the comment section.)

I have had my Great Aunt ReBerta, who never seemed to realize the 3-hour time difference between Wabash, Indiana and Seattle, on my heart. Bert  called me frequently at 3:00 a.m., and she would always ask me: "Why do you sound so tired?"

And I have had my Great, Great, Aunt Lillian Grisso in reflection. She was a missionary in India and wrote 5-books with two others. Aunt ReBerta gave me the picture of Aunt Lillian that I have framed and keep on my desk.

Aunt ReBerta (Center)

The Written Word, Part One: Lessons From Lou

When you read, do the words provide you with a teaching such as they do in a parable? What is your favorite book you have recently read? Why?

I pulled four different books as I cleaned my bookshelf off at home. None of these books have made it to the bestsellers list like The Bible and you probably have not heard of these authors: If You Get A Moment Would You Please… and Lessons from Lou by Louis H. Pepper; Ike’s Principles: 11 Ways his Heritage has guided his life by Tsuguo “Ike” Ikeda, and The Sun is Always Shining Above the Clouds by Tina Barbaro Polis.

The words in these books have resonated within because I am familiar with the authors like I am with The Bible.

The author’s work I have recently learned lessons from was Louis H. Pepper. The following was written by Washington Mutual when Lessons From Lou was published.

Lou Pepper is an American Original. A man of great financial savvy and salty irreverence, he is credited with shaping one of the most successful corporate cultures in America. Mr. Pepper’s relationship with Washington Mutual (WAMU) began in 1953, when he worked as a lawyer for the Seattle-based bank. But it was not until almost 30 years later that Mr. Pepper was given the task that would change his life and that of Washington Mutual’s shutdown – instead, he turned the company around and launched a period of explosive growth.

I closed out my long-time small savings account at Fort Wayne National Bank when I moved to Seattle from Fort Wayne, Indiana in August 1999. The teller gave me a money order that I did not let out of my sight. I noticed a Washington Mutual Bank in the Fred Meyer’s in Renton, Washington. I walked in and opened a savings and free checking account. Little did I know I would learn lessons in years to come from WAMU’s previous President and Chief Executive Officer.

I would have conversations with Lou on Sunday afternoons. Lou stories were wonderful about his life. He never talked about work, only family. I never asked him about his work. I always imagined him as the person who made my favorite soda pop as I grew up: “Dr. Pepper.” Someone asked me if I knew the man I visited with on Sunday afternoons. I answered: “Lou.” She encouraged me to ask him about his occupation.

I never Googled Lou, instead I asked him. He smiled. He shared stories about his career in weeks to follow. Lou shared his books and lessons wth me.

The first lesson was about success. It reaffirmed for me that success is a journey, not a destination.

Chapter One

Success

You will ultimately not be judged by how fast you traveled or how far 
you have come,but by what you did along the way 
and how you left the people you passed.

In course of my legal and banking career, I have seen many young stars rise to fantastic heights in business in a very short time. Some stay on top. Others like a rocket on the fourth of July arc up and fall ignominiously, just as fast as they went up.

I found that most of fell had gained a lot of their success by stepping on people around them. No one mourned their falling.

Others were plain good and were helped greatly by the people with whom they worked. They were the ones who succeeded long term. I summarized this phenomenon with the sentence at the top of this page.

This is the real test of success, no matter how high you may rise.

I thought about my time as a WAMU customer. The bank had a small but nice corporate office, and they built a 42-story office tower in 2006. They were seized and closed in 2008. I remember walking into the WAMU Harvard branch on Broadway in the Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. I closed my accounts and walked into the Wells Fargo branch down the street.

The banker greeted me and asked about the reason for my visit. He was more than happy to assist. I stopped his spiel and inquired about my free gift. Would I receive a toaster or toaster oven? He politely laughed. I said that I expected a free gift before his explanation of services. He handed me an inexpensive pen with the Wells Fargo on it. I pointed at the extra-large stuffed horse in the display. He brought the horse to me, and I opened accounts.  I carried my free gift to the door when I left the banker's cubicle. He said, "You're not taking that. Are you?" I smiled and replied, "I am. Please open the door."

I ran into this banker a few weeks ago at a different branch, and he was curious about the horse. I shared with him about slowly walking to Swedish Medical Center, where I had been a Chaplain Resident. I proceeded to the pediatric floor. I knew the floor nurse and asked her if there was a child who would like the horse. I gave the horses reigns to her in a matter of speaking. She delivered the horse. I did not want to learn about the child or family. I believe they should have their privacy. I was there to give a gift with no strings attached.

Giddy up! Now that's success.

The lesson that I continue to read and reread is Don’t Let Your Smarts Ruin Your Career.

Chapter Fifty-four

Don’t Let Your Smarts Ruin Your Career

My first rule in hiring was to hire the smartest person I could get, as long as they were nice. So I welcomed some really smart people. But there is a problem with some smart people. They like to show how smart they are I once asked an employee. I once asked an employee how it was going with a new boss. He was forthright in his response. He said that he was very smart, but that he used his smarts to dominate people more than to help them.

So all of you smart ladies and gentlemen out there should ponder that bit of wisdom and be sure your smarts don’t harm your career instead of helping it.

One of the smartest people I know was working in a group, and one of the people in it told me:  “You know, after working with her for a while, I realized that she was really really smart. If people discover your fine qualities for themselves, they really impressed. If you tell them about your fine qualities, even subtly, they are always very unimpressed.

And you know, if someone who acts really smart, there is always some person in the group who will get his jollies out of tripping him up. Ask me. I’ve been there. As the tripee.

Good luck.

Thank you, Lou, for not tripping me. You have taught me valuable lessons, including: Mistakes, Eat in the Company Cafeteria, Humility (Don't be a Pain in the Ass), Dignity, and Smile! Ever

The best lesson Lou taught me was not in his book. He reminded me to be careful if I attempted to ride a bike in a swimming pool. There will be resistance and shift gears.

A Life Lesson in Volunteering

Paris is a young person from United Christian Church in Renton, where I met her. I encourage you to read about her volunteering and giving. 

http://patch.com/washington/renton/one-local-renton-teen-finds-true-value-giving-others-0

The Gift Wrap & The Jewel By Wanda B. Goines

Wonderment. Wisdom. Words. Wow. This 92-year old authenticates that gifts come in different packages. They are jewels to bedazzled and beheld.

https://youtu.be/2YxCR2a-sxI

Walk in the light. Live in the light. Be the light.

"The light that shines in and through a believer is the evidence of a changed life....What does the shining light of a Christian look like? Where can it be seen?"

One answer was found on my friend, Michael John's Facebook profile photo.

Walk in the light. Live in the light. Be the light.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.                                       
                                                         - Matthew 5:14-16New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Memories Pump You Up

Memories are brought forth when you least expect them to surface. Monday evening was a beautiful autumn night. So I decided to leave the traffic behind for a while. I stood in awe as I looked at the evergreen trees covering the Cascade Mountains. It was sundrenched afternoon blue skies overhead and a slight breeze.

As I slowly walked the sidewalks of downtown Issaquah, I noticed an old Shell station, and the gas pumps fascinated me. The pumps were made by Tokheim in Fort Wayne, Indiana. (Yes, these pumps were made in my hometown.)

A flood of memories engulfed me. My dad work worked in the manufacturing area on night shift, which he called third trick. He was promoted to a foreman’s role, and then left after many years to buy his own business. My Grandma Ruby always said, “Your dad works at “Toetime.” I called it Toetime for a long time. 

When my dad drove me by the factory as a young child, it was exciting yet scary at the same time. It appeared seedy as I looked at the building through the car window. It was not like living in the Edgewood Park neighborhood with Mr. Dryer’s cornfields and the smell of manure on a hot and humid Indiana summer day.

Issaquah’s Depot Park with old train cars; the Issaquah Brewery with the plaid man server; Stan’s Barbeque filled with red and white Kansa City Chiefs' jerseys and left me smelling smokey; the woman sitting on the walker in front of the Front street Market warmed my heart; the Bread of Life Church with its healing room; and the Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Sister City gift of a door to Issaquah welcomes you: “Once you enter through the doors, you are welcomed into our homes and lives and are among friends and family.”

I was among friends and family.

When God closes a door, a window opens

As I looked through this window last evening, I wondered, "What do I see through the panes of glass, and how does my journey lead me there? 

So I walked around this large church, touched the bricks, and noticed the rectory had DISH TV, connecting the Priest to the outside world. (Messages come to each of us in different ways.) I tried the door and it did not open. I have faith that the door I need to walk through will open on another day when I a ready to experience what is behind it. — at Immaculate Conception Church, Seattle.

REACHing Out!

Living Stones Ministries Rock On! asked United Christian Church in Renton, WA to partner in making an auction basket. Living Stones donated a leather study Bible, a handmade stone bracelet and an extra long knit hat, which Pat Archer made a pom-pom, and a knot blanket the Sunday school students, Julia, Elisha, Miriam and Makhya completed during their Sunday school class today. Pat Archer and Dee Woods helped with the knot blanket. Pat Auten will complete the basket and donate it to REACH.

Makhya working on the knot blanket.

A Photograph Deleted. Memories not Lost.

I am not tech savvy. I had a big old honking phone that I proudly wore on my belt, and it did not allow me to text or take photos. I thought I was so cool with my extra large phone until one day the mishap. “Ker plunk!” The bag of rice could not save my long-time companion.

Long story short, I ended up with an iPhone 5. I still do not understand the features on the iPhone. I love taking photos and making videos. The store representative at the T-Mobile said the other day that many on the settings were not working, and that he strongly recommended that I delete a number of photos and videos or send them to the cloud.

I have deleted a number of them because I do not understand: “What is the cloud?” I could not bear to delete the photo of me sitting in the Sunroom on the 13^th floor in The Terraces alone due to a resident by the name of Ann. She would sit in one chair as I sat in the other. We would sip our coffee and watch the traffic. Once in a while a word would be shared. This was a daily occurrence during my morning break for more than 5-years.

Ann’s daughter wrote after her passing, which was on the morning of my birthday this year, “Dear Julie, From Mom’s first days at The Terraces to the end, you were such a wonderful support but even more – friend. We all knew how special that was for Mom from your Indiana connection to understand each other so well in your silent conversations on 13…”

Ann taught me through the silence about the gifts of resiliency, perseverance, friendship and living life with purpose.

I have written a few words. I now can delete the photograph, not the memory.

Need Prayer? No Purchase Necessary. Just Sayin'

I requested prayers for my pain and stiff right leg this week. It did not matter how I felt this morning at the playground at Coulon Beach in Renton, Washington before worship service this morning. There was joy surrounding me as I played in the kids' park on the motorcycle. (Check motorcycle video by pasting this link into your browser: https://video.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xlp1/v/t42.1790-2/11942932_10204923515510781_1966782794_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjExNzUsInJsYSI6NTEyfQ%3D%3D&rl=1175&vabr=653&oh=776feb046a0fd716779897089ab7f162&oe=55DAA79C.)

My coffee maker and iron gave out after many years of use this past week. Fitting in my budget, I stopped by the Renton Walmart. I found a parking space far out in the lot. A young man asked me if I was okay because I limped as I walked towards the store's entrance. I said, "I am fine." I thanked him.

When I left the store with my purchase, I noticed a sign on a popcorn fundraiser: "Need Prayer? No Purchase Necessary. Just Sayin." I slowly walked towards the parking. I then walked back to the side of the awning closest to the store. The man offered help. I mention his sign about prayer. He asked about my prayer request. I briefly explained about my leg and believing in a miracle all of these years.

He prayed and it was heartfelt and beautiful and no purchase was necessary.

Expect A Miracle

This sign spoke to me yesterday so I turned my car around to take a photo. The clouds and blue sky surrounding the sign with the rays of sunlight bouncing off of it were my miracle yesterday.

Who knows what the miracle will be today. 

A Shout Out for Volunteers

We have been encouraged and marketed to financially plan for our retirements. The nest egg is necessary. Many seniors have mentioned that they have money and time; however, they no longer have purpose in their life. I am wondering after working in skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and independent living settings. Will I be living with purpose? And what does that purpose look like?  Is it service? Giving back? The answer is: “Living Stones Ministries Rock On!” (Please see “Building A Future Foundation at https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2753297433968893643#editor/target=post;postID=8540744502356173815;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname

I am shouting out for volunteers, who would like to help build a strong foundation for Living Stones!

I would like to surround myself with volunteers, who have management and financial skills. Someone who can build a website. Someone who would like to design a logo. Someone who knows fundraising. Someone who knows strategic planning. (And someone who does not write in fragmented sentences.) Even though Livings Stones Ministries Rock On! is not only  about hats, someone to pick up donations of yarn and roll it as you watch your favorite television show. Let’s have a surplus before Living Stones Ministries Rock On! has an official kickoff.  Are you that someone?

As Living Stones Ministries Rock On! moves forward with rewriting its mission, let’s work towards this purpose together. I can be reached at livingstonesministriesrockon@gmail.com

If you cannot join Living Stones Ministries Rock On! now, share this post. Maybe someone else is being called.

Believe: Prayers Needed

I am requesting prayers and healing thoughts. My right leg is tight, aches, the knee is stiff. My right knee is hurting. No more surgeries. I will be healed and pain free. I will wear my "Believe" necklace everyday. I bought in Fort Wayne, and I wondered why the purchase.

I will share updates in weeks to come.

Please share your prayers with us and we will offer prayers for you. 

Blessings, Julie 

"A sincere prayer brings wonderful results." - James 5:16 (NLT)

Building A Future Foundation

A number of residents and staff in the Terraces of Skyline began asking me before Ash Wednesday in 2014 what they should give up for Lent. One staff member proudly exclaimed, “Chocolate!”

With a twinkle in my eye, I asked this team member, “Didn’t you give chocolate up last year?” And didn’t I see you eating yesterday in the break room?” (Laughter erupted from the group, who congregated outside of my office near the elevator.) I mentioned, “Instead of giving up something, let’s give back.”

The idea took off. I started us off with approximately $200.00 of yarn that I bought out of my pocket because it was a small price for a service project in building community through levels of care. Family and friends of the residents and staff donated yarn to their loved ones. Our Lenten project took off. For the 40-days of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Easter Sunday, the core group of residents and staff from the assisted living and health center made one hat at a time, totally 239-hats for 4-charities. 

The Memory Care residents helped in their way, too. I brought yarn with me as we visited. I had the respective resident feel the yarn and shake the tangled yarn to untangle it. The residents would smile and that was enough to keep me working on the project.

My friends and neighbors continue to donate yarn. I finally gave my dinette set to a young server at the Terraces so she could move into her first apartment, and I would have space to wind and store yarn that my friends and neighbors continue to donate to this day. (Many organizations have started in garages and other spaces.) I made approximately 400-hats with the help of two volunteers from Easter Sunday 2014 to Easter Sunday 2015.

Then Seattle’s KING 5 News presented a series during Holy Week of 2015 titled, Church on the Rise http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/04/01/church-on-the-rise-complete-coverage/70792402/.  (Please view KING 5’s Theologians study Seattle for future of 'church' http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/03/30/seattle-religious-affiliation-future-of-church/70687648/) I am not a news or television watcher and somehow I stumbled upon this series. I tuned in.

The series spoke volumes, and I wondered how church and service had changed for me since Lent 2014. Sunday Worship service is a time of renewal and being in community. How I give is not only a tithe. I give my time. I give in service. Church is transforming. Change is inevitable.  That is why Living Stones Ministries Rock On! has emerged.

Living Stones Ministries Rock On! was the name given to my blog on January 1, 2014. I named it after a hymn about living stones a resident’s son wrote and a long-time memory resident, who loved rocks, and she collected them.  I even daily carried rock in my pockets because she loved them so. I called her my “Rock Star.”  A foundation was built.

Christmas in July was celebrated by Living Stones Ministries Rock On! Please read: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2753297433968893643#editor/target=post;postID=6032609251903552817;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=14;src=postname and https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2753297433968893643#editor/target=post;postID=332797485760881827;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=10;src=postname.

Living Stones Ministries Rock On! is more than serving others through making and giving hats. It is all inclusive. All are welcomed in serving others through intergenerational activities, engagement and enriching lives of others no matter where you are on your life journey. 

Since there is a time and season for everything, the projected kick-off of Living Stones Ministries Rock On! is late 2016 to mid-2017.

Rock On!

Breakdown the Brick Wall & Live Your Dream

"Though brick is a very strong building material, it's porous and can crack, crumble, or break..." Wisegeek.org

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a dream is: 4:a: a strongly desired goal or purpose. One of my assisted living residents reawakened my dream of earning my Nursing Home Administrator’s license through a simple conversation in my office and by facilitating my residents’ monthly book group.

My office was originally a small sitting room off the lobby area in our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) so imagine two chairs for residents their loved ones or team members to sit, and desk is in an L-shape with a bookshelf against the wall, forming a short, narrow isle.

 My assisted living residents, named Jackie pushed her four-wheeled into my office, where I sat in my chair behind my desk. She faced the walker seat towards the bookshelf. As she reviewed the books, Jackie mentioned that the assisted living residents have a monthly book group as she removed a book with a DVD from its place.

 “Julie, have you read The Last Lecture by Dr. Randy Pausch and watched the movie?” Before I could answer, Jackie continued, “You can show the movie on a Monday afternoon and then lead the book group on Tuesday morning.”

I learn from my residents by looking through their eyes and listening to their words. Their stories allow a time
of reflection, provide a parable, and sometimes offer pause where a new chapter for my life begins through the conversations. After my residents discussed three themes from the book and DVD:  Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, Brick Walls, and Enabling the Dreams of Others, I was taken back when another resident named Jackie asked, “Well, Julie, have you lived your dreams?”I recognized at that moment the necessity to look through my eyes and contemplate my dreams. So, I did not answer the question. I deflected by questioning the group, “How can you still enable or have you enabled the dreams of others?”

As I mapped out where I have been and where my dreams are leading me, the overall focus has been serving and advocating for the senior population and others in need of health care and rehabilitation services.

A dream was in the making when a nursing home administrator, who believed in my abilities, hired me for my first position in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) as a Director of Marketing and Admissions.  I then joined a CCRC as their health center’s Activities Director, and I was one of the two staff that opened my previous organization’s newest CCRC’s licensed areas. The above-mentioned were small steps in realization of my dream.

I was offered three administrator-in-training (AIT) positions as the doors opened for the licensed care, and this had been a dream of mine since my first SNF position.  I turned down all three AIT positions without hesitation because I made a commitment to open the health center, assisted living, and memory care, and to serve our residents by providing quality care through activities of daily living. The organization appears to have more stability. So I have moved on, and it is time for me to move forward with my dream.

 I am presently seeking an AIT position; however, I have not located one. As Dr. Randy Pausch wrote, “…The Brick walls are there to stop the people who do not want it bad enough. They’re there to stop the other people…Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”

How do I remove the brick wall and move forward? I have received acceptance into a National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) approved online master’s degree in health care administration. I would prefer an AIT due to the cost and securing a funding source, and the training within a SNF setting would be invaluable because I would work within a team and serve residents and their families as I learn and live my dream.

The first avenue would be to complete my masters as I work as an Assisted Living Executive Director. I would complete two goals achieving my master degree and becoming a NHA, while working with anganization and serving others.

The second step in living my dream is to share my inquiry letter with you.

To whom it may concern:

I am seeking an Administrator in Training (AIT) position, and I have enclosed my resume for your review and assistance.

My work in marketing, community relations, and admissions for a skilled nursing facility, sales and consumer education for durable medical equipment and providing services to seniors and those in need within hospitals and continuing care retirement community (CCRC) has provided a strong foundation. I am recognized for my enthusiasm, patience, motivation and compassion as well as leadership and team building abilities.

I believe in serving and advocating for the senior population and others in need of health care and rehabilitation services. Many times, caregivers and family members do not understand the services available to them to enhance the quality of life and provide activities of daily living for their loved ones. I have worked with others in different socioeconomic status and health conditions in meeting their physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social needs that is value added in the skilled nursing facilities. I understand the business aspect of creating community by providing outstanding customer service through serving others, which in turn builds census and generates financial stability for an organization.

My strong interest in an AIT position is based on my abilities and performance of working in various positions for the Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest, which have not been included on my resume: Interim Social Worker, Interim Admissions, Interim Activities Coordinator, Interim Move-In Coordinator, Marketing and Event Management to name more than a handful so we could successfully open our most recent CCRC, Skyline At First Hill and The Terraces At Skyline, which includes the licensed areas: Memory Care Unit, Assisted Living, and Health Center (SNF).

Please feel free to contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX if you have questions or require additional information after reviewing my resume.

I would like to thank-you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to talking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Julie L. Shaffer

I have sent inquiry letters with resumes to a number of  preceptors with no response. 

Since enabling the dreams of others is a gift, I encourage you to forward my dream to others. I would welcome someone to guide and help me remove the remaining brick wall.

Or they will be inspired to enable a dream of a loved one or even a stranger. Or you will realize your dream, and live it!

The Giving Tree

When I left my position as Director of Pastoral Care for a continuing care retirement community earlier this year, a resident by the name of Suzanne gave me a copy of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. She wrote on the opening page:

 To Dear Julie,

The sentiment of this book so clearly demonstrates your mantra for life - giving to others!

Appreciatively,

Suzanne

March 2015

Many readers believe that The Giving Tree is a parable. How does this story speak to you?

Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy.

And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest.

He we climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples.

And they would play hide and go seek.

And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade . And the boy love the tree... very much.  And the tree was happy. But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone.

Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, “Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy.”

“I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy. “I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?”

“I am sorry, said the tree but I have no money. I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.”

And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time... And the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the trees shook with joy and she said, “Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.”

" I want a house to keep me warm,”  he said. “I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?”

“I have no house,” said the tree. “The forest is my house, but you can cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy.”

And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy.

But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. “Come, boy,” she whispered, “come and play.”

“I am too old and too sad to play, said the boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away from here can you give me a boat?”

“Cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the tree. “Then you can sail away... And be happy.”

And of the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away.

And the tree was happy... But not really.

After a long time the boy came back again. “I am sorry, boy,” said the tree,” but I have nothing left to give you-My apples are gone.”

“My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy.

“My branches are gone,” said the tree. “You cannot swing on them”

“I am too old to swing on the branches, set the boy."

“My trunk is gone,” said the tree. “You cannot climb”

“I am too tired to climb,” said the boy

“I am sorry,” side the tree. “I wish that I could give you something... But I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry....”

“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy,” just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”

“Well, said the tree,” straightening herself up as much as she could, “well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”

And the boy did.

And the tree was happy.

The End

If The Giving Tree is a parable, I am not sure if I like the lesson. 

I am not sure if I like The Giving Tree as my mantra for life.

I wonder..."When does one give too much?”