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I can't recall when I first heard the following story thinking long-time Hope Elementary Librarian, Patsy Harris, may have read it to my class of fifth graders in the 70s. It made quite the impression and has stuck within my mind and heart just like what my parents would write on work invoices for us, “With Love, No Charge.” This short story was originally written in 1968 and is included in a collection of stories, songs, and poems in “The Way Of The Wolf” by Martin Bell, a book I am putting on my Christmas list. What follows is not the entire story, but all can actually be listened to by browsing the internet. There must be several versions because the one I know included an owl as well as the wolf.

There was this bunny by the name of Barrington. He was sobbing. A wise owl noticed and passed on some wisdom while a silver wolf remained observant in the distance.

Barrington: “I am just a bunny, and I am not any good for anyone or anything.”

Wise Owl: “Barrington, you are warm and can hop. These are gifts, and any gift that is given is given for a reason. It is a free gift, with no strings attached.”

Barrington: “But I don't have any family. I am the only bunny in the forest.”

Wise Owl: “Barrington, all the animals in the forest are a part of your family. And they are all around you.”

Barrington started thinking as the weather was turning colder and snow started falling to the ground.

Barrington: “I am warm, and I can hop. All the animals in the forest are a part of my family.”

Barrington started gathering special items for the homes of animals in the forest. He left them at each home with a note that said, “A gift, a free gift with no strings attached: From Barrington Bunny, A Member of Your Family.”

I also shared this portion of this story when Paul and Carol Ashbrook were recipients of the Jim Henderson Award (Heritage Fund) due to their help with local nonprofit organizations through years of coordinating the Hope Ride. Paul and Carol gave all of the Jim Henderson Award money received to the Hope Food Bank which undoubtedly made a difference to a lot of individuals and families.

Interestingly, my dad worked for Cummins while Mr. Henderson was Chairman and CEO. I was impressed with what Jim stated at a White House Conference on Corporate Citizenship in 1996 as reported by “The Republic” and wrote a letter to Mr. Henderson which started with a quote from him: “At Cummins, we believe we will be successful only through partnership and investing in people.”

Within his heartfelt response are some powerful words: “Our objective is that everyone who comes in contact with Cummins sees us as a company which cares about people and enables them to give their best. … We were all pleased that Cummins received this recognition, which really belongs to all our people, past and present, including your father. … As you observed, we all depend on one another—bringing our individual talents, energy, and heart to work together to solve problems. This is true of Commins and in the world in general.”

Carol, who is an excellent writer, responded: “We all have gifts with which we have been blessed. No matter how small or large, our gifts can be shared with others and can improve a moment, day, month, and even a year or years of someone's life.”

During this time of the year, may we all reach out to family, friends, and others to make sure they are aware of their gifts, their value, and that the Hope family is always near.