The Grateful Oak: Sharing Shade and Shelter

In a far-off kingdom, nestled amongst rolling hills and endless meadows, there stood an ancient oak tree. His thick bark was weathered with countless summers and winters, and his leafy branches reached out like welcoming arms, a haven for travelers seeking refuge from the Summer sun or the Winter chill.

The tree was known as Old Owen, a majestic giant with a heart as big as his wide canopy. His roots run deep and his branches stretched high enough to cradle the clouds.

A little squirrel made her home in the hollow of Old Owen’s trunk. She was nimble, quick, and full of life, lighting up the ancient oak’s heart with her hopeful spirit.

Yet, the squirrel was gripped by a crippling fear. One day, when the crows gather and the leaves fall, she would have no shelter or food.

Sensing her distress, Old Owen spoke, his voice a rustling whisper in the wind, «Dear squirrel, why so gloomy on such a bright day?» The squirrel relayed her worries to the old oak with a heaviness in her heart.

Old Owen, touched by the squirrels tale, vowed to protect her. The acorns from his branches would feed her, and his vast canopy would shelter her. Grateful, the squirrel swore to keep the tree’s hollow clean and tidy.

Many springs and summers passed, with Old Owen and the squirrel living in harmonious gratitude and generosity. But, in the depth of a particularly frosty winter, a bitter gale was tearing off Old Owen’s branches.

The squirrel watching from the hollow couldn’t bear to see Old Owen in such a state, “Those branches are your strength and pride!” she cried.

Old Owen, though writhing, managed to whisper, «Worry not. The scales of nature always balance itself.

Soon, the storms of winter passed, and spring ushered new life in the kingdom. To everyone’s surprise, the branches once torn now bore the sweetest, most abundant acorns.

The wind carried the news across the kingdom, and animals flocked to enjoy the divine treat. Old Owen stood tall, his bountiful branches feeding the hungry, his wide canopy offering shelter to the weary.

The squirrel, never forgetting her oath, took it upon herself to manage the sudden rush. She helped distribute the acorns fairly amongst the animals, ensuring no one left hungry.

Witnessing the scene, a wise, old owl exclaimed, «Old Owen, your generosity saved us from hunger, and the squirrel’s gratitude has taught us fairness. You have created a haven where every creature feels welcomed and loved.

The tale of Old Owen and the squirrel soon became a beloved fable across the kingdom, a story told at gatherings and bedtime. Old Owen’s generosity taught everyone how to love, and the squirrel’s gratitude became the golden rule of civilization.

Years later, even when Old Owen was no more, the sun generously bathed the canopy of a new oak tree, and a small squirrel took shelter under it, repeating the cycle of gratitude and generosity that their ancestors once started.

Moral of the fable «The Grateful Oak: Sharing Shade and Shelter»

This simple tale of a squirrel and an oak reminds us about the power of gratitude and generosity. Even under the direst circumstances, Old Owen stayed gentle, selfless, staying true to his promise. Meanwhile, the squirrel’s gratitude didn’t simply end with words – she acted and upheld her promise whenever she could. Their actions harmonized and produced a ripple effect that extended well beyond their immediate vicinity.

Like Old Owen, we shall strive not just for our survival, but for the well-being of others. And like the squirrel, we must cherish the generosity that we receive from others by returning it in the best way we can.

Old Owen’s branches may have been torn, and the squirrel’s fears may have been daunting, but their reactions to these adversities echo the true message of the fable: that through gratitude and generosity, we create a haven where love and fairness thrive, where together – we overcome any adversity.

Most importantly, the fable teaches us that acts of kindness and gratitude, no matter how small, reverberate across generations. As the story continues with a new oak and a new squirrel, it emphasizes that being gracious and generous is not just about what we do, but also who we inspire to continue the cycle of giving and receiving.

Abraham Storyteller (Abraham Cuentacuentos)