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Bear's Gift |
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One of the children said, "I'm glad you are here, Grandfather, because you are big and strong like Bear. You can protect us from wild animals." The old man placed a log on the fire and as the sparks flew into the night sky he said, "Well, Bear was not always the great beast we know today. When Bear first came to the forest he was small-so small the other animals and birds did not even notice him. "But one day when Bear was wandering in the forest, he came upon Raven lying on the ground. Raven was hurt and could not fly. Bear did not know what to do. He was not big enough to lift Raven and take him to safety. "Raven said to him, 'If I make you strong, will you help me?' "Bear was not sure how Raven could do that, but he said, 'Yes, I will take care of you.'. "Raven touched Bear's back and immediately huge muscles bulged beneath the fur. Bear used his new strength to pick up Raven and carry him back to his den. As he had promised, Bear took care of him until Raven could fly again. "Before Raven left, he said to Bear, 'You have been a good friend. From now on, every time you help someone you will grow bigger, stronger and more respected.' " The old man stopped to place another log on the fire. Then he said, "Bear has helped many others through the years and that is why he is now the biggest, strongest and most respected animal in our forest." Grandfather smiled at the children gathered around him and said, "Bear started small and grew with each good thing he did. He did not use his strength to scare others; instead he used it to help them. In turn, they gave him all the respect he deserved. "As you grow up, remember the story of Bear. Know that true respect comes only as gift from others." Sample story from: Eagle's Reflection and Other Northwest Coast Stories Copyright 1995 Robert James Challenger ISBN
1-895811-07-4 |
The campfire crackled
and gave warmth to the old man and children gathered
around it. Beyond the light of the fire the forest was
dark and full of shadows.