Grumpy Bears & People

A mother was talking with her three-year old boy, Jeff, about what gifts he wanted for Christmas. He said. "I want that stuffed bear, Grumpy, more than anything."

His mother was puzzled, "There are so many other cute, happy ones, I can't figure out why you want Grumpy." After Christmas was over and the children had their gifts, she asked again, "Why did you want Grumpy?" Jeff said, "Because he needs hugs and kisses." The mother said he truly did love that bear and would always give him those hugs and kisses, and slept with him in his arms every night.

She said, "I learned from my small son with the big heart to look for this person with a frown and give them that kiss and hug, if only in the form of a smile. He taught me to reach out and care for those who are sad. The best part is, now that he's 15, I still see him reach out to those who need a lift, and when I'm the one who needs it, I appreciate his concern for grumpy people more than ever."

Many children's stories have a grumpy character in them. Sesame Street has Oscar the Grouch, and one of Snow White's seven little friends is named Grumpy. Dr. Seuss's Grinch Who Stole Christmas had a heart that was two times too small.

Grouchy people populate not only the make-believe world, but the real world as well. So what can be done to stretch the hearts of those of us who may be grumpy old men, or women, or middle-aged or young ones for that matter?

We can learn from Jeff, the little boy who responded to his grumpy friend with an act of love. Nothing else can stretch the human heart, chase out the grumpiness, and bring in laughter and joy.

Paul Welter has recareered after a long tenure at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He still teaches "Learning from Children" there and leads seminars. Paul's radio show airs especially for farmers and truckers on several midwest stations. He also consults with businesses and organizations in the area of work-weariness.

Paul's book, Learning from Children is available from FAW.