They seemed an unlikely pair as they
played through the fall – so very
different. The small furry knew most
of his other friends and even his
family did not understand, but he
didn’t care for he knew the walnut
was a true friend. Hours they would
spend playing, laughing, talking, just
sitting together. It was a magical
fall and both seemed to sense that it
was special. They were very different
to be sure, but as they saw it that
simply meant they each had different
gifts and strengths to share. As the
fall progressed those around the furry
one became concerned, they knew the
walnut had only one season and the furry
one would one day be left behind – and
they could see the signs of age on the
walnut, scratches and cracks in the
shell, dulling of the glossy shell.
That the furry one did not seem to see
the changes worried them.
One morning the furry one ran out to
be with his friend and found him
laying amongst the shattered bits
that were left of his shell and his
heart broke. He buried the bits and
sat to cry for the loss of his friend.
As he sat deep in grief his tears
fell to the earth. His family and
friends tried at first to console him
but quickly moved on – it was just a
walnut after all. So the furry one
moved into the cold windy days of
winter, each day going to the place
where he had lost his friend – each
day finding hope that it had been a
dream dashed and feeling so very alone.
As will the seasons, winter gave way
to spring – and life seemed determine
to renew itself. One morning when the
furry one arrived at the place he went
to feel close to his lost friend he
was surprised to find a small sapling
reaching up to celebrate the sun.
“Who are you? How dare you take this
place!!” the furry one proclaimed.
The small sapling chuckled, “Did you
really think I would leave you?” Now
the furry one was shocked – the
sapling spoke with his friend the
walnut’s voice.
“I never left you dear friend. True,
my shell shattered, but that shell
was just a garment I wore for that
season. I have been here with you as
you sat and I tried to tell you not
to cry. And I am here and will be
always,” the walnut said softly.
