Slow-Poke and the Marathon Race
Slow-Poke Duck knew Mother’s Day was a few days away. He wanted to do something nice for his mother because she always did something nice for him.
“I don’t have much money,” said Slow-Poke to himself. “I wonder what I can do that would be special.”
Slow-Poke always felt guilty because he felt that he was always weighing her down. He knew he was slower than the other ducks and he also knew his mother had a ton of patience because she always waited for him no matter what.
“I wish there was a way that I could do things quicker,” said Slow-Poke. “I know that mother would love for that to happen.”
Slow-Poke thought hard. He remembered seeing a flyer advertising a marathon on Mother’s Day.
“I could enter the marathon,” said Slow-Poke. “It would be a great way to show Mother that I can do things quicker. I know she would appreciate that very much.”
Slow-Poke entered himself into the marathon. For the next few days, he practised very hard. By the time the marathon took place, Slow-Poke was ready. He was determined to win that race.
Slow-Poke walked and walked. He had a distinctive look of determination on his face. However, try as he might, he came in dead last.
Slow-Poke walked home with his head hung low. He was so ashamed of himself. He so badly wanted to win that race.
“Where were you this morning?” asked Mother when Slow-Poke returned home. Slow-Poke burst into tears.
“What is wrong?” asked Mother.” Why are you crying?”
“I entered myself into the Mother’s Day marathon,” cried Slow-Poke. “I wanted to show you that I am not a burden and that I can do more than slow you down. However, I came in dead last. All I did was prove I am a burden and all I do is slow you down.”
“That is nonsense,” said Mother.” You know what you proved to me?”
“What?” asked Slow-Poke.
“You proved to me that you a brave little duck,” said Mother, taking her wing and wiping the tears from Slow-Poke’s eyes. “I am very proud of you for attempting to even enter the race and I am even prouder of you for finishing it.”
“Even though I didn’t win,” said Slow-Poke.
“Yes,” said Mother.” Winning doesn’t mean a thing to me. What means the most to me is that you tried your hardest, did your best and stuck with it until the end.”
“Happy Mother’s Day,” said Slow-Poke, giving his mother a big hug and kiss.
“This is the best Mother’s Day gift ever,” said Mother, hugging Slow-Poke tightly.
Moral of this Story:
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