I just could not save this until tomorrow morning. As any regular reader knows, the income tax refund came this morning. All the neighbors have held on to their refund checks until the last one arrived. Ours was the last one.
The neighborhood felt rich as we headed to the banks. Each of us cashed our checks and put the money into a community envelope. We were surprised to discover that we had several thousand dollars. And, of course, when we all put our money together it had more buying power than any one check. There is something to be said for money and a mastermind alliance.
Each of the households had pledged to contribute their refunds to the community. With our cash neatly tucked inside one — well, a few — envelopes, the entirety of the contributors headed out in a caravan to the farm supply store. We bought garden tools, garden gloves, a tiller, and thanks to the donation made by the store owner we were able to purchase a small tractor. Well, we were a couple of hundred dollars short of the total. But, the owner “discounted” the price of the little tractor so we could afford it.
Some of the folks who live near the community garden needed tools and gloves and other necessities to keep the garden growing. Of course, they would tell us that they had good tools, but one of the kids kept noticing handles breaking, and rake heads falling off when in use. At least now all the community neighbors can work in the garden.
But, that isn’t the story of the day. Most of the kids went with us on the shopping expedition. One of the younger girls strayed away from her mother — not far, but out of reach. There was a nice looking older man who offered the child a piece of candy. None of us knew him. And, I must say he did appear to be a nice man. The little girl wandered in his direction. Needless to say, the mother panicked when she saw her eight year old daughter heading toward the older man. He was standing next to the exit door. If you are a mother or father, you know that feeling of panic.
Just as the youngster got within range of the man, the mother screamed for her to come to her. The little girl wanted the piece of candy, but stopped in her tracks when she heard her mother yell. For an instant it looked as if the little girl was not going to heed her mother’s cry to come to her. Jason to the rescue! He grabbed the youngster’s arm and led her to her mom.
Now, let me say that I am not accusing the unknown man of anything. I am only saying that none in the group had ever seen him before and he was enticing the little girl with a lollipop. In fact, later we learned that he was the father of the store owner. But, in the instant none of us knew him from Adam’s house cat.
The mother went off on a tangent. I guess sometimes when we are frightened we speak too loudly and create panic everywhere. The little girl started crying. All the mother could say was, “Don’t go to strangers” and “Don’t take candy from anyone you don’t know.” The little girl cried more and louder.
At last, we all got home. I’m sure the neighborhood blood pressure was above normal, but at least we all arrived home — all of us. The little girl was still whimpering thinking her mother was mad at her. And, to be honest the mother did little to explain the circumstances to the child. But, she was still reeling from panic.
That’s when Jason entered the story — again. He took the little one out into the back yard and started talking to her. Oliver, the stray orange cat who passes through three or four times a day, darted past. Jason seized the moment. I was taking lemonade to the twosome, but stopped to listen to Jason’s story.
I will paraphrase it as best I can. (I do wish I could take credit for this, but—)
Jason told the little girl that cats and dogs are much smarter than we are, especially when we are young. He went on to say that we should watch what they do and learn from them. Cats and dogs are the best teachers when we are young.
He continued by telling about Oliver. “You see Oliver. He still won’t come to you. He has seen all of us for months. He knows we put food out for him everyday.” Jason handed the child a piece of a ham sandwich. (Oliver loves ham.) “Hold this out to Oliver.”
The little girl obediently extended her hand with the sandwich clutched between her fingers. She called Oliver’s name. And, to the surprise of all Oliver looked when he heard his name. It was obvious from the twitching nose that the cat wanted the food. But, he would not come to the little girl to accept it. When she stood up to move closer to the cat, Oliver darted off to safety.
Jason explained that as much as Oliver wanted the treat, he was smarter than little girls and boys and that he was teaching her a lesson. “Never take food or anything, even if you really want it, from someone you don’t know. And, if the person moves toward you, run to a safe place — to your mom or dad.”
The little girl put the sandwich down by a tree and took her seat next to Jason. Oliver cautiously appeared and enjoyed the sandwich. But, when the little girl stood up, Oliver darted away from the remains of the food.
The little girl looked up at Jason and bemoaned the fact that Oliver ran off again. “When Oliver knows you and knows he can trust you, he will come to you. You want to be just like Oliver. Never get close to anyone you don’t know, no matter what they offer you.”
The little girl smiled at Jason. “Puppies aren’t so smart.” Then, she explained that when her puppy had wandered onto the sidewalk, she saw a man stop the car and pick him up. Then he drove off.
“Yep, that’s right. Think how sad you would be if someone picked you up and took you.”
“I’m not a puppy. I’m like Oliver.”
Well, I handed over the lemonade and winked at Jason. I could not help but think that this young man, who had at one time been a neighborhood menace, had matured. What is more impressive — to me — is that Jason has learned that life lessons are all around us if we will only look for them. He has become aware of his environment. He is observant. He uses what he sees and feels. He will do well at the university.
Today, I am thankful for the tools we purchased for the community garden. But, I am more thankful for Oliver’s story. The little girl will always relate to the big orange cat when she encounters a stranger.
