Holiday's In The Forest

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Original Story © 1993 Carol Ann Garretson All Rights Reserved
Used with Special Permission. Not available to copy without
expressed permission from Carol Ann Garretson.

It was early morning and all the animals were awake as there was to be a big celebration that day.
Everyone had their assigned tasks and knew what they were responsible for that festive day. This day was to be one of great joy because there had been told a story of a puppy to be born on the human holiday of Christmas.

He was to have brothers and sisters,
but he was to be remembered for all time due to his watchful nature and keen sense for feelings that would make him a treasure in a litter of Christmas pups.

Now it was approaching afternoon and all the tables had
been set up and the crowd began to congregate near the
small shed that the mother lay feeding her five pups.

As the white rabbit
approached the entrance, she could see one little face turn and look her way. The rabbit was
convinced it was the "chosen" pup. His eyes looked so lovingly at the little rabbit and she smiled
and left her gift at the door. She had made all the pups little hats

so each would look alike, but the treasured pup gave
himself away with his look into her eyes.

The next visitor to approach the shed entrance was a young deer who looked in and put down his
bag of wood to start a warm fire to keep the puppies comfortable. There was a stove in the corner
so he quickly put in the logs and twigs and then the whole shed seemed to come alive with warmth and good feeling.

A rare turtle that was terribly shy next went into the shed.
He carried on his back small quilts that his family had made for the newcomers.

The mother dog looked up when covered, with a wide
smile on her face. She was so amazed at the goodness of the forest animals. As the turtle covered
the fifth pup, he knew that was the one, because it put its nose on the turtle's shell as if to say "thank you."

The animals came one-by-one with their gifts to the new family in the forest. Each knew the special
significance of their acts. They were rejoicing the arrival of a chosen animal born with the hope
and gratitude of someone presented with a much-wanted gift.

Why was this time so important?

It is because there would be a brand new beginning
to do something kind and generous for the world.

This pup was to become a beacon of light and the pride of his family.

Would it be just as magnificent when any creature was born for it to have been chosen to feel
understanding and love so much that a whole new time could come into existence.

The next moment you are aware of new life remember the awesome responsibility to bring that
little one up with the joy of sharing and caring.

See the needs and try yourself to be a comforter. You, too, may be the chosen one of your family
and are just shy like the turtle.

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			HOLIDAYS IN THE FOREST