Hector, the Shiny Red Fire Truck
Hector was a very special little red fire truck. For years, Hector was the only fire truck in Mugginville. When the fire alarm sounded Hector's little engine was always oiled, greased and ready to go. His siren always made the loudest noise, telling people to get out of his way. When there was a fire, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave.Everyone in Mugginville loved Hector. On the 4th of July, Hector always led the big parade. His wheels were so shiny and clean as a whistle. His red engine was polished so bright that you could see your face in the front fender.
One day while Hector was getting washed and polished, a brand new red fire truck pulled into the garage right beside Hector. It was twice his size. Big Joe was his name. His water hoses were three times as long as Hector's and could shoot to the top of the highest buildings in town. His ladders reached the sky. At least Hector thought that they did. He had been the only fire truck for years, and he thought to himself, "The town doesn't need another fire truck. I know I can do the job. I always have,"
Then early one morning the alarm went off. Hector was the first one awake and ready to go, but when the fire men arrived they all jumped onto Big Joe and left Hector and fireman Fred to watch the station. Hector felt so dejected. He didn't know what to think. He had never been left behind before. He felt like he was unwanted, unimportant and rejected. Big tears began to roll down his shinny red fenders. His little red heart was broken.
Hector was feeling so sorry for himself that he didn't even hear the alarm go off. "Hector, Hector," called Fred, "It's our turn.." Hector wiped his tears, put a smile on his face, as Fred jumped on the back. He headed down the street. But, you will never believe where the fire was? It was the same fire that Big Joe was at. "What's the problem Big Joe ," asked Hector. Big Joe replied, " There is a little puppy crying for help and I am too big to squeeze between the two buildings. The puppy is so scared." His master on the ground was extremely happy to see Hector. Brave little Hector fitted himself right between the two buildings, while Fred climbed the ladder and brought the little puppy down and placed him into the arms of his master. Hector was so proud of himself. He was really needed. Everyone patted Hector on his shinny red fenders for saving the puppy. Even big Joe admired him saying "Hector, you are a very special, fire truck. I could never do what you did today." Hector smiled and led big Joe back to the fire station.
From that day on, Hector knew that he was important and never felt sorry for himself again. It was a lie. He was needed. Hector just had to wait his turn. He wasn't the ONLY one that was important. Big Joe had his place in the fire station too. There would always be plenty of smaller fires for Hector to perform alone. But don't forget the 4th of July. The parade never started without Hector leading it.
The Story of Fuzzy Wuzzy
When I was a little girl, my mother told me this little poem. Later I made up a story about Fuzzy Wuzzy for my grand children.
poem
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear,
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair
Fuzzy Wuzzy, wasn't fuzzy was he?
Story
Fuzzy Wuzzy was born with his hair sticking up like a porcupine. The other little cubs would make fun of him calling him "Porky", but Fuzzy Wuzzy didn't mind being called names because his mother had taught him to say ,"sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt him."
One day when he was old enough go alone to the river to catch salmon, he saw for the first time his reflection in the water. Fuzzy thought to himself, "You are the ugliest cub I have ever seen." Fuzzy picked up his paw and splashed the water to break up his reflection, but it didn't do any good. His reflection came right back and Fuzzy Wuzzy was very angry at himself. He didn't care if he ever went home again or saw another bear cub. He thought to himself," everyone is right, I do look like a porcupine!' It was getting dark and close to supper time, but Fuzzy didn't care. He just wanted to hide forever.
Racket the raccoon was coming down to the river to wash his paws for supper, when he saw Fuzzy Wuzzy sitting with his head in his paws."What is the matter, my good friend' said Racket, ' you look so sad?" Fuzzy Wuzzy didn't say a word but kept looking straight down at the ground. "Hey, Fuzzy,' asked Racket, 'Didn't you hear about your family?" Now, that got Fuzzy;s attention. "What do you mean my family? What is the matter?" responded Fuzzy anxiously
"Earlier this morning a big truck from the circus drove into the Green Forest looking for a special bear family to train for a special act and they chose yours." Fuzzy didn't know what to think. "I have always wanted to be in the circus. I heard that you get three good meals a day and you're treated you like a king. But, look at me Racket, my hair sticks up like a porcupine, the circus wouldn't want me." "I wouldn't be too surprised about that, Fuzzy," said Racket, "You are just the perfect kind of bear. You were created very special, and with a friendly personality like yours, the boys and girls will love you. I think you should go and catch up with your family right now."
Fuzzy Wuzzy was excited for the first time that day. He left the river, headed home, packed his suit case and started for the city. A farmer, driving in a pick up truck stopped to give Fuzzy a ride. "Where are you going, my little cub?," asked the driver. "To the circus in town. Will you take me there?" answered Fuzzy hopefully. "I will get you there as soon as I can. You hop in the back and I will have you there A.S.A.P."
The farmer and Fuzzy arrived at the circus just as his family were being taking into their new home. When Fuzzy saw his parents, brothers and sisters, he took off like a shot to give them a BIG BEAR HUG! Fuzzy Wuzzy and his family became the most popular bear act in the whole circus, in fact, today if you ever go the circus remember to say hello to Fuzzy Wuzzy for me.
Boys and girls, sometimes you might not like the way God created you, but you must remember that He loves His creation and you are NOT to compare yourself with another. How would you like it if you created something you thought was very beautiful and somebody said it was ugly. Wouldn't that hurt your feelings? Of course it would. God loves you just the way He created you to be for Himself. You are His special and beautiful creation.
