Nurturing Brotherly Love? I told you my brothers' sad story for a purpose.

Why did you tell me that sad story? It seems like yesterday that my boy brothers were wrestling on the ground. Now they are separated by eternity, it seems. They will see each other again, I hope. I celebrated their births and nurtured their relationship some, in my early Christian pilgrimage. I was cast off from them, before they were fully ripe.

14 years old there was coal in the stocking of an angry young man and I reproved my father and mother deeply for this horrid vindication of their parental rightness. I don't think we should use Christmas for teaching such lessons. They were hurt and I couldn't know how much they were hurt. I still think you have other ways of disciplining a wayward son. He was very sad at the loss of elder sisters to College and Husbands and life. He was acting out. I would give him whatever money could buy to show the mercy of God to a son of mine. Poverty has kept me from pouring on you in such a way. God knows that our time is more valuable than any coal or diamond gift.

don't miss the greatness of being an older brother and a younger brother at the same time

Momma

Indiana Squirrel, found his way...

into the school, where young Ethan was. He wasn't afraid of the large building and he knew that Ethan would help him clear his name and reputation and the reputation of all squirrels.
What would be the difficulty for people, is not so hard for a squirrel. He scurried into the building in the squirrel fashion. He waited for a portly gentleman to open the doors and he crept in, nearly under the man's heels. The man had no ability to see his heels. This, Indiana took to the greatest advantage. He felt the breeze of the man's shoe, hitting the floor, as he ran by. Whew, that was close. He certanly would not survive the blow had the foot come down on his head. Squirrels are careful about such things, but this was still too close.

It was a tender meeting between boy and squirrel, when the two caught eachother's eye in the hall. I don't know what made Ethan look so low to the ground. None of the other children noticed him at all. Having a friend who is a squirrel must make you pan from a lower eye level. Anyway, he saw him, the bell rang and the children went into their classes. All except young Ethan, who lingered in the hallway to greet his unexpected visitor. Yo, Ind, what are you doing here? They popped five and did their handshake that they had developed. Ethan had grown quite a bit over the summer and had to kneel instead of squat to be eye level with his friend. Good to see you, what are you doing here.

I need an education, I need money and in this world you need an education to make money, so I've come to see if you can help me get into school.
Wow, Ind, I never, well, huh, I never thought a, well uh, a squirrel doesn't need money or an education, does it? I mean do you? Anyway, education is complicated in this world, I mean, this is not as easy as you might think, you see, Ind. This is public school, they don't just let any wild animal in the doors. There has to be a standard. My parents pay taxes and I am registered here and everything. I wouldn't even know where to begin, getting you registered for school, much less the health and other requirements for being a student.

Just then, the janitor and a teacher came around the corner and saw Ethan talking to Indiana. Ms. Wiffins, put her hand over her mouth in shock and Mr. Carps grabbed Indiana by the scruff of the neck. Woooo? Wait a minute? They both begged for a minute to plead their case.

This is my friend Indy and he, well uh, well uh,...he wants an education so he can make money and everything. I am not sure why, but I know that he is a good squirrel and a good friend and well uh, I want to help him, you see.

Ms. Wiffins said, I never heard of anything so ridiculous in all my life. A squirrel wanting an education, this is outlandish, this is unheard of. Did he tell you why he needs an education and money. He didn't was Ethan's answer, He was just about to get to that. I was explaining that it is not automatic for some squirrel to just walk off the street and get into school, well there is the tax burden and the registration and everything, right?

Ms. Wiffins thought for a good long minute. Mr. Carp was still holding Ind, by the scruff of the neck. All of a sudden, Ms. Wiffin's face changed. She softened and smiled. She said, we are public servants and if a squirrel wants an education in America, by gumption, it is a free country and he shall have it. We should be able to accomodate our local wildlife, here and there, when they have a need. It shouldn't be difficult. You take him home with you and I will research the topic abit and see if I can't find some precidence to take to the School board. The bell rang. Ms Wiffins requested that Ethan go to class and that the squirrel leave the premises. There are insurance concerns you know.
Ethan told Indy to meet him at the house and thanked Ms. Wiffins for understanding and the hallway cleared of the 4 loiterers and was quiet.