"A Way to Help"
1 Maria always loved the smiles she got every time she helped someone. Her parents needed help mowing the grass, and her neighbors struggled carrying in their groceries.
2 For her tenth birthday, Maria’s parents gave her a kitten. They could not have given her a better gift! Maria named her kitten “Tucker.” Every day Maria played with Tucker, fed him, and taught him tricks. They quickly became best friends.
3 After hearing a report on the radio, Maria decided she wanted to do more than help her parents and neighbors. Since she was only ten, she realized she would need assistance. “Mom, would you help Tucker and me so we can do something to help people?” asked Maria.
4 “Of course,” said Maria’s mother. “What do you want to do?”
5 With a grin on her face, Maria hugged her kitten and said, “Do you remember when our class presented a play at the nursing home across the street from our school? Would you take Tucker and me to visit the people living there? I think it would cheer them up.”
6 “I am proud of you for wanting to make life better for others. Tucker would definitely make them smile, and so would you!” Maria’s mother happily agreed to take them to the nursing home the next day.
7 When they entered the lobby, there was a nurse at the desk. Maria nervously introduced herself, “Hi. My name is Maria, and this is Tucker. We are here to visit the residents.”
8 Giving Maria and Tucker the first smile of the morning, the nurse patted Tucker and replied, “What a wonderful gift!” Looking at Maria’s mother, she said, “This is a very thoughtful and caring young girl.” Turning to Maria, she asked, “Does Tucker have all of his shots?”
9 Excitedly, Maria nodded her head and showed the nurse the veterinarian’s records. Tucker looked up and meowed, as if he knew what the nurse meant. “You are both ready, then. Welcome to our nursing home. There are quite a few people who would love to see you and Tucker today,” said the nurse.
10 Maria, her mother, and Tucker walked down the halls, going room to room. Everyone smiled when they saw the visitors. Some of them wanted to hold Tucker, and when they did he licked their hands and purred. Many shared memories of their pets and told stories of when they were young like Maria. All of them thanked Maria for bringing Tucker to visit them.
11 Mr. Harris, the oldest person in the nursing home, said, “I hope this will not be the only time you come to visit. I was lonely until you and Tucker walked in and brightened my day. What a joy you have given me!”
12 Maria, her mother, and Tucker spent several hours visiting as many people as they could. As they were leaving, Maria’s mother said, “You should be proud of yourself. You made many people happy today because of your acts of kindness.”
13 “We made a lot of people happy, Mom, because Tucker and I make a great team,” Maria replied.
14 After that, Maria’s mother dropped off the team several times a week so Maria and Tucker could bring smiles to all the people in the nursing home.