How Bunny Made The Grade
His mother had nick named him Bunny after his first attempts to walk appeared more like rabbit hops. The name had stuck as it does when you have several older brothers who made sure every new acquaintance knows your nick name. He had gotten used to it and didn’t let it bother him any more .
What he didn’t like was that he didn’t seem to have been blessed with the natural athletic ability his brothers had. He wasn’t good at sports and his brothers; he knew, were embarrassed by that. Bunny didn’t make any of the school teams even though he tried out for them all. He had over heard one of his brothers saying to a friend that Bunny just hadn’t made the grade.
As time went by Bunny found solace playing in the forest spending hours watching the squirrels , birds and yes the rabbits. He loved the forest and all its wonders. Bunny did not miss sports at all and his new found woodland friends never teased him about his name. Bunny’s mother worried he would get lost in the woods but Bunny knew the woods better than his own back yard and assured his mother she needn’t worry.
Each year the local community had a community picnic in the hay field by the fire hall. Everybody went and there was something for everyone. One of the main events was the rolling pin toss. This event had the local ladies compete to see who could throw a wooden rolling pin the furthest. As everyone stood on the side lines the contest was narrowed down to the two best throwers. Bunny was standing with his mother and brothers when the last lady spun around and round and then released the rolling pin.
The crowd suddenly roared as the rolling pin instead of flying down the field soared up over the crowd. Every one screamed, covered their heads and ran for cover. Except Bunny. Bunny was the only one who noticed two year old Susie standing alone right where the rolling pin was headed. With out hesitating Bunny ran and grabbed Susie moving her just in time as the rolling pin landed exactly where Susie had stood. There was a hush over the crowd as heads were scratched and faces and ears grew red. If there is such a thing as mass embarrassment it was in all their faces. All had ran for cover not thinking of who might be hit by the wild throw. None had looked back except for Bunny. Bunny was the only one. The crowd started to talk and then cheer. Bunny’s brothers ran to him and hoisted him up on their shoulders. The crowd all cheered for Bunny for you see on that day Bunny was a hero. Bunny’s brothers were proud of him because Bunny had definitely “Made the grade.” You see it doesn’t matter if you are different. You can be different and still “Make the grade.”
Larry Matthews
April 2nd 2011
