Adam Learns to Whistle: A Collection of Thirty Short Stories for Children and Grown-Ups

By Betty Raymond Gubler

Here is a brief summary of a few of the short stories in Adam Learns to Whistle.

When Adam is in the Garden of Eden, eager to learn the skills he sees the animals have, he has Fish and Dog teach him how to swim. Monkey teaches him how to use the vines to swing from tree to tree, and the birds teach Adam how to whistle. Adam’s philosophy is “What is impossible today is possible tomorrow.” Watching the birds fly high into the sky, Adam wants to learn to fly. Find out what Adam learns about flying.

The story “Brutus and Patches” is about a Saint Bernard dog, Brutus, who has the run of the house by his owners, Thelma and Bill. When Thelma is given a kitten she names Patches, she becomes angry with Brutus because of his aggressive behavior with Patches. Brutus often loses his house privileges and is upset because Patches scratches his tender nose. Will Brutus and Patches ever learn to get along with each other?

“Elvira and the Choir” is a story of fifty-six-year-old Elvira who has suffered a stroke. Because the stroke has left her with childlike behavior, her husband divorces her. She moves to another community where being lonely, she attends church. When she tells the minister she loved hearing the choir sing, the minister invites her to join the choir. George, the leader of the choir, once he hears her loud, raspy voice, doesn’t want Elvira to sing in his choir. How does Elvira win everyone’s hearts, including George’s and the choir members?

The story “Debbie’s Angel” is about a young girl who has been an orphan most of her life. Sad because the following day, the much-disliked Mrs. Beamer is going to cut the girls’ hair, Debbie looks out of her window late at night. From the starry heavens, an angel descends. The angel teaches Debbie that true beauty is gained by being kind to others. Can Debbie teach the girls to like Mrs. Beamer?

These and the other short stories in the collection are both entertaining and inspiring.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685170592

Book preview

Alanna’s Canary

A long time ago, in a faraway land, the same disease that claimed the life of King Brennan’s wife also claimed the life of his sister and her husband, leaving their children, six-year-old Alanna and nine-year-old Melvin, as orphans. Because King Brennan didn’t have any children, he brought Alanna and Melvin into his palace and adopted them as his own.

After the children had lived in the palace for a year, the king’s counselors advised the king to find a new wife. They felt that the children, still mourning the loss of their parents, needed someone to act as their mother. The counselors suggested that the beautiful Lady Hisolda be invited to the palace.

The king accepted their suggestion, hoping the children would enjoy having Lady Hisolda around. Although Lady Hisolda resented being brought to the palace only as a mother-substitute for the children, she pretended that she liked them. If the children admired her, she was sure that King Brennan would choose her to be the new queen. Surely, she calculated, if she married King Brennan and they had children, the king would favor his own children over these orphans.

Alanna and Melvin immediately sensed that Lady Hisolda didn’t like them. Her feeble attempts to convince them that she would make a good substitute mother for them were all in vain. There was no warmth in her eyes while the painted smile on her lips was forced. She thought that her elegant gowns as well as her fine pieces of jewelry would impress the children and cause them to admire her.

Every day Lady Hisolda adorned herself with some of her jewelry and had a maid paint her fingernails and toenails. Her face appeared to be a mask because of the amount of make-up she wore to cover its imperfections. She never wrapped her arms around the children nor tried to hold a conversation with them. Also, she was always dressed so elegantly that she couldn’t play with them. In Lady Hisolda’s mind, all she needed to do to win the children’s hearts was to impress them with her beauty.

When King Brennan asked the children what they thought of Lady Hisolda, they were too polite to admit that they didn’t like her at all and that they felt uncomfortable around her. King Brennan sensed that the children were still lonely for their mother. Perhaps a pet would help them to overcome their grief. A dog, maybe? he said out loud. He sent his servant to look for a special dog.

The servant returned in a few days and presented an attractive-looking dog to the king. King Brennan was very pleased with his servant’s choice. After enjoying the company of the dog for a while, he visited the children and gave them the playful dog with long silky reddish-brown fur. Melvin immediately claimed the young Irish setter, Kelly, and spent as much time as he could with his new pet.

Alanna spent most of her time in her bedroom painting pictures and doing simple embroidery work. King Brennan worried about her. From one of the merchants who visited his palace, he selected a beautiful doll and took it to her room. Alanna was sitting at a desk, painting a picture, but she stood up to greet him when he entered her room. Smiling at her, he placed the doll in her arms and said, Here’s a new friend for you, my daughter.

Thank you, she said quietly. Then she put the doll in a chair and wrapped her arms around King Brennan.

King Brennan looked at the picture she was painting. It was a picture of a bird with golden feathers. That’s lovely, Alanna! he praised her.

I have some more paintings, she said shyly, pleased that he liked her painting. Opening one of the desk’s drawers, she pulled out eight or nine more pictures that she had painted. A bird with golden feathers was the subject of all of them.

You really like this yellow bird! King Brennan remarked.

Yes, he’s my special friend. His name is Peter, but I call him Petey.

I’ve never seen a bird with golden feathers before. Where have you seen one like this?

In my dreams. And I can hear him too! His song is the most beautiful bird song I’ve ever heard! I think he learned it in heaven.

I’d surely like to hear it. When does he sing for you?

When I’m sad, I can hear him, especially when I go to bed at night and when I wake up in the morning. He helps me to feel happy.

I see! Well, he surely is a handsome bird, dear! King Brennan kissed her cheek and left her room.

Alanna’s sadness troubled him. He hadn’t heard her laugh since her parents had died. The paintings of the bird with the golden feathers stayed on his mind. Did such a bird exist? He began inquiring of the merchants. Word that the king was looking for a yellow bird was passed around. One day, a merchant, having heard of the king’s search for a yellow bird, came to the castle, bringing with him a cage that was covered by a blue silk cloth. Inside was a bird with yellow feathers.

Yes! Yes! That’s what I want! Let’s take the bird to Alanna’s room, King Brennan suggested.

When Alanna saw the little bird, her mouth opened with surprise. It’s him! It’s him! she exclaimed. You’ve found my Petey!

She opened the door to the cage, put her small hand inside, and gently stroked the yellow bird. The bird hopped onto her finger, bobbed its head up and down, and fluttered its golden wings. Then beautiful notes bubbled over with joy as he sang.

Petey! Petey! I knew you would sound like this, just like in my dreams! Alanna exclaimed.

The merchant laughed at her remark. This canary, uh, Petey, hasn’t done much singing lately. I was afraid he might not be well. But he surely looks happy now. Do you want to keep him?

Yes! Oh yes! May I?

All right. Here’s a bag of the kind of seeds he likes to eat. You can always buy more at the market. Always keep some fresh water in this little dish, clean his cage at least once a week, and don’t let him out of the cage unless the windows and doors are shut.

I’ll take good care of him! I promise! Alanna’s happiness was beautiful to see.

King Brennan and the merchant left her room, convinced that Petey’s new mistress would give him plenty of attention and loving care.

Petey was pleased with his new surroundings. Alanna’s voice was soothing, and her touch was gentle. The golden bird poured out his happiness in wild sweet notes that thrilled the young girl. When she went to bed at night, he sang briefly for her. When she got up each morning, his song sounded like pure joy bubbling over. Alanna took a piece of her blue embroidery thread and tied it around his left leg so it looked like he was wearing a thin blue cord around his leg.

Lady Hisolda was offended that Alanna was so attached to her pet canary and yet so aloof to her. Didn’t the young girl appreciate beauty and elegance? She had been hoping that the children would tell King Brennan how much they admired her. Instead of concentrating on showing them warmth and love, she thought she could impress them with her beauty, her jewels, and her fine clothes. Surely, because of her beauty and elegance, she thought to herself, she was worthy to become the new queen. Yet the children never complimented her on her beauty. Melvin enjoyed the company of Kelly the dog while Alanna enjoyed the company of Petey the canary.

*****

After two months of trying to win the children’s admiration, Lady Hisolda decided that if Alanna lost her canary, the young girl might turn to her for comfort and thus become more attached to her. One evening, when Alanna was taking her bath, Lady Hisolda stepped into her bedroom and let Petey out of his cage. When Petey seemed reluctant to leave, she grabbed a broom out of the closet and shooed him out to the balcony.

Petey perched on the wall of the balcony. It appeared that he intended to stay there and wait for his little mistress to bring him back into her room.

Angry at him, Lady Hisolda shouted at him and shoved him with the broom, forcing him to leave. Pleased with herself, she returned to her room.

In a short time, the news was out. Petey was missing. His little mistress was distraught and wouldn’t be consoled. Acting surprised, Lady Hisolda went to Alanna’s room since she knew that the king would be there. King Brennan was holding the weeping girl in his arms, trying to cradle her. If I can find one, I’ll get you another canary, he promised her.

I don’t want another one. I just want Petey.

Don’t give up yet. Maybe he’ll come back. Did you let him out of his cage?

No, he’s never out of the cage when I’m having a bath.

How did he get out of his cage?

I don’t know. He never would have flown away from me because we love each other. Somebody let him out of the cage and somebody left the balcony doors open, and look, there’s a broom there that wasn’t there before ’cause I always put the broom in the closet! Somebody let my bird go! He… He might not find any food to eat or maybe he’ll get hurt or…or killed! Alanna sobbed anew.

Lady Hisolda knelt beside the young girl. Let me hold her, she said to the king. Alanna needs a woman to comfort her.

No! I don’t want you here! Go away! Alanna cried, too sad to be polite.

Feeling mortified, Lady Hisolda said, Poor girl. She’s out of her mind with grief.

King Brennan rocked Alanna gently, seeming to have not heard Lady Hisolda whose presence in the room had become awkward. Lady Hisolda stood for a while near the chair where King Brennan was rocking Alanna. She was wondering how to make herself look motherly in the eyes of the king. Alanna, she promised, I’m going to get you something special that will make you happy again. It’ll be something very beautiful.

Alanna and the king ignored her comments. Then Lady Hisolda hinted, Do you think Melvin had something to do with letting the canary out of his cage?

Having said this, she went to Melvin’s room and said he needed to visit his father and sister in Alanna’s bedroom. Kelly followed them.

When they were inside Alanna’s room, Kelly trotted over to Alanna, whined, and nudged her gently with his nose. Melvin, Lady Hisolda asked, do you know how Alanna’s bird got out of its cage?

What? Where’s Petey?

That’s what I’m asking you?

How would I know?

Kelly walked over to Petey’s cage, sniffed it inquisitively, then went to the broom and sniffed it also. Then, surprisingly, Kelly walked over to Lady Hisolda, smelled her hands, sat down, and whined. King Brennan, watching the dog, became suspicious of Lady Hisolda’s involvement in the missing canary mystery but said nothing.

Melvin, before it gets any darker, go outside and look for your sister’s bird. He must be somewhere nearby, Lady Hisolda said.

After Melvin left, she patted Alanna on the shoulder. Dear girl, I hate to say this, she said, but it’s most likely that you forgot to put Petey back into his cage when you left to take your bath.

I know I put him back, she sobbed, recoiling from Lady Hisolda’s touch.

Well, I guess I’ll go help Melvin look for him, she said and left the room.

Instead of going outside to help Melvin look for the canary, she went straight to her room, upset that neither King Brennan nor the children had appreciated her presence. She gazed admiringly at herself in her full-length mirror, wondering why her beauty hadn’t melted their hearts. Slightly dissatisfied with what the mirror reflected, she forced a smile on her face, trying to hide the lines of meanness around her eyes and lips.

Carefully, she removed her beloved jewels, holding them admiringly for a while. Then she placed them in her large jewelry box, an ornately carved and decorated piece of furniture that had several drawers. Whenever she opened one of the drawers, a music box began playing an exquisite melody. Why does that brat of an orphan need a stupid bird to make her happy? she asked herself as she examined her favorite pieces of jewelry.

*****

The next morning, when she heard that the king had returned to Alanna’s room to comfort her, Lady Hisolda went to the kitchen and had a breakfast tray prepared for Alanna. Then she took it to Alanna’s room, hoping to impress King Brennan with her thoughtful act. She found that Alanna was weeping again because her canary hadn’t been found. Somehow, the young girl had dared to entertain the hope that Petey might have returned to her balcony when morning arrived so he could be fed his breakfast. However, when she had opened her balcony doors, no golden canary was there to greet her. She called his name, hoping he would respond, but all was silent. The morning song that he always greeted her with was painfully absent.

Petey! Petey! she called for a few moments. Then she had returned to her bed, sobbing as if her heart was broken. The king had been told of her deep sorrow and went to her room to comfort her.

Lady Hisolda felt a wave of jealousy wash over her when she saw the tender way King Brennan was trying to console the girl. In her mind, she couldn’t accept that he had adopted the children and thought of them as being his own. That’s ridiculous! she fumed. They’re nothing but poor orphans! When King Brennan has his own children, he’ll no longer think of Alanna and Melvin as belonging to him! She smiled to herself. Look, Alanna, she said, I’ve brought you your breakfast.

I don’t want to eat, the girl cried. I just want Petey to come back.

You must eat, dear. Look at this delicious food. I’m sure it will help you feel better.

No, take it away! I’m not going to eat until Petey comes back!

Well, that’s a stupid thing to say! Lady Hisolda exclaimed. Then she purred, King Brennan, have you had your breakfast yet? Maybe you’d like to eat some of this.

I’ve already eaten. You can take the tray back to the kitchen, he said, dismissing her. I just want to spend some time with my daughter. Hopefully, soon we’ll have good news for her since I’ve sent some of my servants out to look for Petey. The king caressed Alanna’s forehead as Lady Hisolda left the room. Let’s hope they find him right away, my little daughter, he said to Alanna, hoping to comfort her.

Petey’s going to be so hungry! she cried. He needs me to take care of him!

*****

A few days passed, and Petey was not to be found. Although she was very lonesome for her canary, Alanna had to start eating her meals again. King Brennan had Fiona, who was the children’s father’s sister, come to the palace to spend some time with the children. Since they were very fond of her, their reunion was a happy occasion. Fiona, warmhearted and motherly, loved the children dearly.

Being an expert at needlework, Fiona took her materials out to the lovely garden so she could be near the children. While Melvin would play with Kelly, Alanna would sit beside her aunt and watch her embroider beautiful patterns on pieces of cloth. Sometimes, King Brennan would come outside and sit with them. It warmed his heart to see how thoughtful Fiona was with the children. Also, he found he greatly enjoyed talking with Fiona who had never married because her fiancé had been killed in battle.

One day, when they were out in the garden, Lady Hisolda, having heard of their visits there, joined them. Her face had been carefully made up, and her gown was stylish and expensive, a noticeable contrast to Fiona’s humble clothes. Although she sat down beside them and listened to their conversation about the children, she had little to add.

Alanna sat beside Fiona, experimenting with the embroidery stitches Fiona was teaching her. It upset Lady Hisolda that King Brennan was enjoying Fiona’s company whereas he hardly paid any attention to her. This made her feel like an outsider. How could the king find enjoyment in the company of a woman as humble as Fiona?

She decided to have one of the king’s servants drive her in a carriage to where the merchants displayed their wares. The bright sparkles of the expensive jewelry that were being displayed in some of the booths caught her attention, and she spent about an hour inspecting these items. Then she looked for a gift for Alanna.

After another hour of searching, she found what she thought was the ideal present for the young girl, an inexpensive bird figurine adorned with brightly colored sequins. She had the bird put in a box and wrapped up in shiny paper. After paying for this item, she returned to one of the jewelry booths and purchased a pair of dangling ruby earrings that had earlier caught her eye. This present to herself was what would make her trip to the marketplace worthwhile.

That evening, at the dinner table, she gave Alanna the little box containing the bird. Of course, she wanted King Brennan and Fiona to admire her for giving Alanna such a wonderful gift. When Alanna opened the box, her smile faded. Some of the poorly glued sequins were already falling off the bird, revealing crumbling white bald spots. Thank you, Lady Hisolda, she said quietly, putting the bird back inside the box and replacing the cover.

For a little while, Alanna tried to take a few bites, but memories of Petey returned. Suddenly, so that no one would see her tears, she rose from her chair and fled from the dining room, leaving Lady Hisolda’s gift on the table.

Fiona, feeling sorry for Alanna and understanding her feelings, soon followed the girl to her bedroom. Without mentioning the sequined bird, Fiona wrapped her arms around Alanna. It’s all right, she said. Sometimes these feelings of loneliness return when we least expect them, sweetheart.

I’m so worried about Petey, Aunt Fiona. It’s starting to get cold out. I wish he’d come back.

I do, too, dear. The Bible tells us that God’s eyes are upon even the smallest of sparrows and that he sees them when and if they fall. You must trust God that he is looking out for your Petey. Wrapping an arm around Alanna’s shoulders, she added, Come with me to my room. You and I are going to make something special together.

What is it?

You’ll see!

When they were in Fiona’s room, Fiona took out a piece of cloth that was shaped in the form of a square. I’m going to draw a picture on this for us to embroider, Fiona said. What kind of picture do you want me to draw?

A picture of Petey like the pictures I’ve got in my room.

All right. Fiona, very skillful at making her own designs, drew a picture of a bird. What do you want us to embroider around the bird? she asked.

Some grass and flowers and leaves and curly vines and…and some blue sky!

The sequined bird was forgotten as Alanna watched Fiona draw the desired picture onto the fabric. After the picture was drawn, Fiona added details, such as the cross-stitches Alanna was good at embroidering. Although it was growing late, Alanna insisted on having Fiona begin the embroidery. She selected some yellow thread, the color of Petey’s feathers. Will you start working on the bird tonight? she asked.

Of course, dear, but you’ll soon need to go to bed.

I just want to see you put some yellow on the bird.

Alanna was happy.

When King Brennan and Melvin came to check on her just before she went to bed, she told them about Fiona’s new project. Excited to see Alanna’s happy smile, Kelly licked her arms and hands. That tickles! she laughed.

*****

The next week, Lady Hisolda, realizing that King Brennan had no intention of making her his queen, packed her belongings. It had become too painful for her to watch King Brennan enjoy the company of Fiona and the children while he ignored her. Someone with more discernment, she consoled herself, would know how to appreciate her beauty. She spent a long time trying to make her face beautiful and then put on her most magnificent gown before saying goodbye to King Brennan. Somehow, there was still a dim hope in her mind that he would beg her not to leave, that he would recognize what a marvelous queen she would make, an ornament worthy of any king’s worship.

But, alas, the king, when she found him, was in a large room admiring the beautiful embroidered cloth Fiona and Alanna were working on. Also, Melvin and Kelly were in the room. Lady Hisolda wanted to see the king alone, but he made no attempt to leave the room and wish her a private goodbye. Indeed, the king, looking at Lady Hisolda’s painted face, her dangling ruby earrings, and her bright gown of garish colors couldn’t help but think of the sequined bird she had given Alanna. Alanna had never retrieved the bird, so one of the servants had thrown it away.

*****

Colder months were upon them now. After Fiona and Alanna finished the embroidered picture they had been working on, King Brennan had it framed and hung it in Alanna’s room. It was beautiful and a source of great comfort to Alanna. The embroidered bird did look a lot like Petey. Fiona had even followed Alanna’s suggestion to put a thin band of blue embroidery thread around one of its legs.

Fiona then began work on a new piece of embroidery while she had Alanna do the work on a piece she had especially drawn for her. King Brennan enjoyed the time he spent with the children, Fiona, and Kelly. He saw in Fiona the woman he wanted to become his queen. Although he was afraid she intended to never marry, he felt he must let her know that he wanted her to be his wife.

Seeing how much he loved the children, Fiona had very tender feelings for King Brennan, feelings that she knew would turn to love very easily if nourished. She accepted his offer of marriage, and a date was set for their wedding. How beautiful the king found Fiona to be! Her face didn’t need to be painted to create her beauty. Her beauty was natural, reflecting the radiant presence of kindness, gentleness, warmth, and spirituality. It was a beauty that didn’t need the glitter of jewels nor the splendor of exquisite gowns; although certainly, as his queen, she would have these.

*****

Three mornings before the wedding, Alanna woke up with a start. She sensed that she had been dreaming about her canary and hearing him sing. But now that she was awake, the singing continued. How could this be? She wrapped a warm robe around her and went to the balcony doors. What she saw caused her to shout with joy, Petey! Oh, Petey, you’ve come back to me! She threw open the doors, letting in a cold blast of air. There on the wall of the balcony was a yellow bird with a slightly noticeable silken blue thread wrapped around one of its legs. Tears came to her eyes. Petey, you must be cold! You’re shivering!

She returned to her room, closing the balcony doors. Then, after warming Petey with her hands, she opened the door to his cage and put fresh food and water in his dishes. While he was eating, she ran to get King Brennan, Fiona, Melvin, and Kelly, telling them she had a surprise to show them in her room. She was so happy about her surprise that she was hugging herself with joy.

When she opened the door to her room, they heard her surprise before they saw it. Petey was perched on his swing, singing, his happiness at being reunited with Alanna so great that it must find expression. His song bubbled over with joy and beauty. Kelly barked with recognition, trotted over to the cage, and sniffed it. It’s Petey! Melvin exclaimed. It’s Petey!

Are you sure it’s Petey and not another bird? King Brennan asked.

It’s Petey, all right! Melvin remarked. He’s still got the blue thread on his leg. See?

Where has he been all this time? Fiona asked. Surely, someone’s been taking good care of him. See how healthy he looks.

How was he able to find his way back here? Melvin asked.

He knew how because I prayed him back, Alanna claimed. Aunt Fiona, you told me that God’s eyes were on even the smallest of sparrows and that he sees them if they fall. I asked God to watch over Petey and help him to come back home to me.

All our hearts are happy today because of Petey’s safe return, King Brennan stated. It seems like a miracle. Even though it’s almost time for the snow to fall, Petey, with his golden feathers, will keep the sunshine of happiness here in the palace for us. Isn’t that right, my daughter and son?

It surely is, Father! Melvin exclaimed, causing a lump to tighten in the king’s throat, for this was the first time Melvin had called him Father.

*****

On the day of the wedding, there was another cause for celebration. King Brennan had been able to find a merchant who had another golden-feathered canary, a female one which he gave to Alanna. What are you going to name her? he asked the excited girl.

How about Orianna? Fiona suggested.

Yes, that’s pretty, Alanna agreed. What does it mean?

It means ‘Golden Lady,’ dear.

Look! Petey and Orianna like each other, Alanna noted. Petey, she spoke to the canary, you’re the bird I heard in my dreams when I was lonesome. Even with Orianna, I wouldn’t be happy if you hadn’t come back to me.

Petey lifted his head and began singing. Orianna cocked her head and listened. Then she began singing too.

I wonder where Petey was staying all this time before he came back, Melvin said.

If Petey could have talked, Petey would have told the happy family that he had been cared for by an elderly man and his wife who lived in a humble cottage near the edge of the forest. Although they were very loving to him, the first chance Petey had, he flew away, eager to rejoin his little mistress.

I’m so glad you’re going to be our new mother, Aunt Fiona, Alanna said, hugging her tightly. I was afraid Lady Hisolda was going to become our mother. She didn’t like us very much. And she put so much stuff on her face that I never saw her real face!

I knew right away that I would never marry Lady Hisolda, King Brennan said. She reminded me of the bird she gave you, Alanna, that was shedding its sequins. If Petey hadn’t left, and I suspect Lady Hisolda had something to do with it, I would never have had my lovely Fiona come to the palace to help you feel happy. So maybe we had to have that sad time in order for us to be happy now. Fiona is genuine and loving, just like Petey. We’ve learned something very valuable, to recognize love, truth, and beauty and to not undervalue these qualities or allow ourselves to be blinded by that which isn’t really genuine.

I never thought of things that way, Father, Alanna said. Petey, she addressed her canary, you’re the one who taught us these things. Now I’m happy that you were gone for a while so these good things could happen to us. But don’t ever fly away from me again! God sent you to me. Your beautiful song makes me feel happy! Because of this, I will always love you!

Benjamin, the Boy Who Saw with His Heart

It was spring when the tragedy happened. The parents had driven to the city to buy Easter clothes for their children—Wendy, David, and Benjamin—and were on their way back home. The sun had recently set, leaving tints of pink and lavender on the clouds.

As the light of day was quickly fading, the passengers in the car, tired from their day’s activities, were talking in hushed tones. The dramatic changes in the sky as day was turning into evening commanded their attention.

Suddenly, a driver, coming around a curve from the other direction, swerved into the family’s car, killing both of the parents. Traffic slowed down, an ambulance was summoned by a driver who had a cell phone, and the children, stunned by what had just happened, were taken to a nearby hospital.

Although their injuries weren’t serious, the youngest child, nine-year-old Benjamin, stumbled and groped about, complaining that he was unable to see. A specialist, examining Benjamin’s eyes, couldn’t diagnose what was causing his blindness. He told the children’s Aunt Flora, their mother’s sister, that given some time and therapy, hopefully, the young boy would be able to see again.

*****

When the children were released from the hospital, they went to live with their Aunt Flora and Uncle Jim. Thirteen years older than the children’s mother and having already raised her own children, Flora felt it was her responsibility to help raise her sister’s children. The morning after the children went to live with their aunt and uncle, the children’s grandparents, whom they called Grandma and Grandpa, arrived. Flora told them that since Benjamin was blind, they were thinking of putting him in an institution.

An institution? No way, Flora! We’ll take the boy home with us! her father retorted. Until he can see with his eyes, I’ll teach him to see with his heart.

Flora agreed, grateful that Benjamin could still be part of the family. A tutor was hired to visit Benjamin three mornings a week.

In the past, when Benjamin had visited his grandparents’ camp in the woods, he had loved being there. The camp was reached by a winding dirt road of about three miles. Grandpa had a garden each summer. In the past, Benjamin had enjoyed eating the delicious corn, tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, string beans, squash, green peppers, and potatoes that grew there. He had also enjoyed the cozy cabin with its woodstove, kerosene lamps, and shelf-lined walls that held the colorful jars of tomatoes, green beans, pickles, berries, apple sauce, peaches, plums, and apricots that Grandma canned each year.

Grandpa had let him collect the eggs from the chicken coop and feed hay to Bessie the cow while Grandpa milked her. Then Grandpa would give him some milk in a dipper so Benjamin could put it in a saucer for Whiskers, the long-haired orangey-yellow kitten who showed her gratefulness by purring and rubbing his legs with her body. And there was also Ginger, the friendly collie with whom he loved to romp and play.

Now, however, his world was dark, and he had to experience things through his senses of touch, smell, taste, and hearing. At first, he was very discouraged as well as frightened because he missed the familiar presence of his parents, sister, and brother as well as being able to see with his eyes.

Grandpa, whose mother was half-Cherokee, as was often noted of Native Americans, had a deep love for the natural world. Although his grandson was blind, he wanted to teach Benjamin to have a feeling of reverence for the natural world around him. Also, he knew that Benjamin needed to feel useful again. Patient and with time on his hands, he taught Benjamin the way to the chicken coop and where to find the eggs in the hens’