The Christmas Cloud Named Hankie

"It has never been this cold," said the wise old turtle. The rabbit agreed, the squirrel agreed, and so did all the birds. They were all looking up because Christmas day was getting closer. The sky held only one cloud today. The forest animals named it the universal hankie because it was so large with no breaks.

Hankie did not realize it had been named and now looked below at its subjects. He realized nature placed animals in the forest for the humans to learn from their ways. Animals needed food, shelter, and a safe place to live just like humans. Since the animals named Hankie, what made him so special? Well, Hankie could be bright, get real dark and rain, or just decide to mesh with the sky and look blue. Bright meant a sunny day, dark would bring rain water for parched land, and blue was clear to all that good weather was indeed a gift.

When Hankie covered the forest with crystal white snow, the sky looked like a salt shaker spilling its contents. After the snow falls you can walk outside and see your footsteps, use your sled and have fun sliding down a hill, or even make an angel in the snow by moving your arms and legs until a snow angel appeared. The animals looked forward to snow as they would chase each other around the trees.

The animals watched as Hankie seemed to disappear. Now, they went about their tasks collecting food. Rabbits had stored carrots for the Christmas feast, squirrels saved their choice nuts, and the birds brought out their premium seeds used only for such joyous times. The Christmas committee found an abandoned house near a windmill for their celebration. All the families were delighted.

Hankie became visible as it looked at them all. Each one was counted and lived on the third planet. Both animals and humans were expected to make the world better. Then it happened, the snow started to fall. The sky did indeed look like the biggest salt shaker above their heads. Animals were happy and so were all the people and especially the children. It would indeed be a wonderful Christmas for people and animals alike.

Hankie wants me to tell you he has much responsibility being so far above us. He sees both the good and the bad and asks us to mind our manners. Our deeds can be as white as the snow.

Have a very Merry Christmas and give more personal presents by your example. Your friends and family will be proud of you. After all there is much to share at this giving season, and we should start now.

1998 Carol Ann Garretson All Rights Reserved