Kindness

Short story of kindness and the wonderful effect it can have

Robin and OH-WeL

On a low sagging branch of an ancient giant oak tree, sat an Apple Gall being, named OH-WeL. OH-WeL, like all Apple Gall beings, had been created by a oak gall wasp. OH-WeL's host wasp had gathered essence from several bird species. They were owl, duck, pheasant, and peacock. The wasps then also gathered pollen from a sunflower plant. OH-WeL looked like an owl with a bad hair day, or better said, a bad “feather” day. Its feathers shot out in all directions, always giving the impression OH-WeL had just gone through a wind storm.

OH-WeL, when seeing the many different birds, or other Apple Gall beings with bird essence in them, would become sad. This sadness always brought on thoughts of, “Why couldn't my feathers be nice and straight, or as smooth as all the other birds?”, This then made OH-WeL feel out of place, different, and alone. Having these feelings made OH-WeL want to be away from everyone. There were moments when OH-WeL would set these feelings aside and go out into the world to visit a close friend.

Each morning for OH-WeL began by having to cope with errant feathers. There was not one feather on OH-WeL's body which pointed in a same direction, or was in any kind of unison. Most days it wouldn't be a problem, OH-WeL would just accept how the feathers were, and go on with the day.
That was not the case when, on occasion, OH-WeL had a thought of flying. For any other bird, or flying being, this wasn't an issue, but for OH-WeL this generally ended up being a bad idea. OH-WeL's errant feathers just did not work like hey should. So when trying to take off flying, usually the result would be OH-WeL lying face down on the ground with a mouth full of dirt . “Oh, if only I had normal feathers like other birds.”, were always OH-WeL's thoughts.

On one particular morning, after another failed take off attempt, and also while laying on the ground trying to decide what to do next, along came Robin. Robin, was a close friend, and also an Apple Gall Being. Robin had been created from poinsettia pollen, English Ivy, and elephant essence, hence he had an elephant trunk. Robin was known throughout the community for being very studious, and always ready to help those in need.

“OH-WeL, my dear friend, it's so good to see you”, said Robin, while extending a hand.

“Oh Robin, hello. It's nice to see you too”, replied OH-WeL.

“You look a little troubled, is there something I can help with?”, asked Robin.

“Oh, I don't know. I am having the usual problem with my feathers you see. They seem to have a mind of their own and I am not quite sure what to do about it.” said OH-WeL.

“Ah, yes, I can see they are different from others who have wings. Would you like me to try and straighten them out?”, asked Robin.

OH-WeL's head shook back and forth, this caused some feathers to fluff up, and some others to fall to the ground.

“Oh Robin, it will do no good, We have tried everything and nothing seems to work”, said OH-WeL.

Robin was not one to easily give up, especially when it involved a friend, and so decided they should both go see “Romera The Wise”. “Romera The Wise” was the one who always has had answers for each Apple Gall”s problems or questions. “Romera The Wise”, like them, was also an Apple Gall being having been created from great basin bristle-cone pine (one of the oldest living trees on Mother Earth), rosemary, azalea, orchid, owl, eagle, sphinx, and elephant.

“Come on OH-WeL, why don't we go see “Romera The Wise”, I'm sure that's where we can find a solution to this problem of those errant feathers”, said Robin. OH-WeL nodded in agreement and off they went.

Lavender

To see "Romera The Wise, both OH-WeL and Robin had to walk through the ancient forest. On their walk they came upon another friend, Lavender. Lavender was a tall and elegant looking Apple Gall being, who always wore a radiant smile. Her Wasp gall had gathered not only essence from lavender, but also forget-me-not flowers, liquid amber, painted lady butterfly, and raccoon. Lavender had an appearance of a walking flower bouquet.

Lavender walked through the forest often and rarely ran into anyone. Upon seeing OH-WeL and Robin, she was very happy at this pleasant surprise and asked them where they were going. Robin said they were going to see “Romera The Wise”, and explained the reason why.

“Oh how wonderful, may I join you?”, asked Lavender. “Also, I think I might know what could work for your feathers OH-WeL". Sitting on the ground next to Lavender's feet, sat a large colorfully painted bag made from dried Iris leaves. Inside was filled with all types of freshly picked flowers, as well as, many other little surprises that she had found throughout her walks. Lavender, after foraging through the bag, proceeded to pull out a large purple brush. This brush was made from a dried stem of Salvia dorrii, purple sage flower.

“Feel this", Lavender said while running her fingers across the brush. "All we need to do OH-WeL is brush your feathers with it. I'm sure “Romera The Wise” would agree with me”, said Lavender as she handed the brush to Robin.

The dried brush was quite large, and indeed, had very hard “bristles”. After running fingers along the “bristles”, Robin cried out, “Ouch, that really hurts Lavender. Are you sure this is such a good idea?”

OH-Wel, had also decided to touch the purple sage flower brush, and also said, “Oh dear, that does hurt! Sweet Lavender, I think this might be better used on someone else, possible someone without feathers. I don't think I can use it. You are welcome to join us, if you like, but I think it best to leave the brush in your bag.”

Robin nodded in agreement, “Yes, let's leave the brush in your bag”. And so
the brush was put back in Lavender's bag, and the trio headed off to see “Romera The Wise”.

Jewel

Walking on the forest path was always very pleasant, as well as calming. The trees were all very tall, and very old. If you walked quietly, you could hear them speaking with one another, along with all the birds and insects fluttering about.

As they walked, listening to the forest, Lavender turned to OH-WeL and asked, “OH-WeL, why do you want to change your feathers? I find them quite lovely.”

OH-WeL was surprised at the question and responded, “Oh Lavender, you are too kind. My feathers are so difficult. Mine are not like those on others with feathers. When I look at those others with feathers, I see how theirs are all nice and smooth. All formed in a way, too, to make flying nice and smooth. They look so lovely while doing so.”

“Yes, I can see yours may be a little different from others that have feathers, but I like the difference. It makes you, well, you. I would want to have you no other way.”, said Lavender.

OH-WeL had to think about what Lavender said. OH-WeL had always thought that having feathers meant being, and looking, a certain way. If Lavender was right, then what OH-WeL had thought true might not be.

OH-WeL began to say something to Lavender when suddenly they all heard a loud distressful “Chiiiieeerp” coming from a nearby tree, and headed in the direction of the painful sound.

There, not far up from the ground, on a low branch, sat a very beautiful Apple Gall being they all knew very well, Jewel. Jewel, who was also another friend they all knew. A friend who looked in trouble.

Jewel's gall wasp host had used pheasant, duck and pine to create Jewel. Jewel was known for flying all around, gathering shiny trinkets, and any jewelry she could find.

“Dear Jewel, whatever has happened to you?”, asked Lavender.

In a sweet Southern drawl, Jewel said, “Chiiiieeerp, my earrings got caught on a branch as I was tryin to fly away, and now I'm stuck! Chiiiieeerp!”, Jewel replied.

Robin immediately ran to Jewel's aide. With Robin's gentleness and care, the earrings were unwound from the branch, and Jewel was set free. There was a flutter of feather's as Jewel's wings flapped up and down, and suddenly, flew up into the air!

“Chiiiieeerp, thank ya all sooo much my dear friends. If ya all had not come along, who knows how long I'd be stuck on that ole branch.” chirped Jewel while flying away. “Chiiiieeerp Chiiiieerp Chiiiierp Chiierp”

"Oh my goodness, I'm sure glad we came along when we did, or who know how long she would have been stuck there.", said Robin

"Yes, and did you see how beautiful she looked as she flew away? See how nicely her feathers worked?', commendted OH-WeL.

“OH-WeL, that maybe true. I don't think I have ever told you this before, but I also really do, and always have, liked your feathers. You have such a lot of them, and they have wonderful colors, as well as so many different shapes. They are very lovely to look at indeed.”, said Robin.

“Oh, I don't know. I think they're kind of messy, and not as pretty as all those others that have feathers. Not to mention, they don't work very well, as feathers should.”, replied OH-WeL.

“Messy? Goodness no! I would never have described them as messy. Your feathers are unique to you, they are a part of you. As I said before, they make you, you. And yes Robin, I agree, they really are quite lovely.”, added Lavender.

Robin nodded and said, “Yes, yes, well said Lavender.”

OH-WeL, with a look of surprise, faced them both,. “Oh thank you. You are both very kind but I would never consider myself as lovely. My essence came from owl, pheasant and duck. Have you seen how beautiful those birds are? I look nothing like any of them, let alone fly like just one of them.” said OH-WeL.

"OH-WeL, I believe every being is different for a reason. I also believe in taking those diffrences, and appreciating them, for it is those diffrences that makes us each so very unique. Can you imagine a world where everything, and everyone is exactly the same?, said Robin.

This gave OH-WeL something to really think about. Maybe, just maybe, OH-WeL's errant wings were not that bad after all. Looking down at a wing, OH-WeL noticed a floresent glimmer, almost like a rainbow, coming from the feathers. OH-WeL then lifted and swished a wing through the air, watching how all the feather danced in all different directions. Each with it's own unique color.

Robin and Lavender watched their beautiful friend in awe.

"Come, let us continue on to see Romera The Wise, and while we walk, we can enjoy the beauty of OH-WeL's feathers", said Lavender.

'Romera The Wise'

Having arrived at the home of “Romera The Wise”, the three travelers stood in front of the door, and before knocking, Lavender turned to OH-WeL and asked, “Do you know what it is you wish to ask “Romera The Wise”?”

OH-WeL took a few moments to reply and said, “Oh, I was going to ask Romera about my feathers, but I think I've have changed my mind. I thought about the things you and Robin said about how you both like my feathers, and me the way I am, and well, no one has ever told me that before. So I think I'm starting to like myself, too. I see now that it's OK to be different. I don't have to be like all the others that have perfect feathers. It's ok for my feathers to not be perfect, and be different. It's ok to just be myself, and being different is ok.”

Both Lavender and Robin went and gave OH-WeL a big hug.

“Oh, and what is really special about myself, is that I have such wonderful friends.”, said OH-WeL while hugging them back.

And so it was, that Lavender, Robin, and OH-WeL had a lovely visit with “Romera The Wise”, all while sharing news of home and enjoying lots of honey.

When at last it was time to leave, each hugged and thanked “Romera The Wise” for all the kind hospitality, not to mention that delicious honey.

As they walked home, they reminisced on this most wonderful day, and of having had such a wonderful adventure.