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IN THE SHADE OF HER MANGO TREE
Sally was playing in her backyard…chasing butterflies and bees
when she decided to rest a while in the shade of her mango tree.
“Thank you for the shade.” She said. “It’s nice to get out of the heat.”
“You’re welcome.” The mango tree smiled. “Would you like one of my mangoes to eat?”
“Yes, please.” Sally answered politely. “What do I have to do.”
“Not a thing.” The mango tree said. “I’ll bring one down to you.”
The mango tree lowered a branch saying, “This is the ripest one I’ve made.”
Sally picked it and with her back up against the tree…ate her mango in the shade.
The next day Sally brought a bucket of water…telling her tree, “I filled this in the sink.
As a thank you for my mango…I wonder…would you like a little drink?”
“Yes, please.” The Mango tree said politely. “What do I have to do?”
‘Not a thing.” Sally said with a smile. “I’ll bring the water down to you.”
“Thank you for the water.” The mango tree said. Not only does it feel good in the summer heat,
but it will help me grow taller and stronger and make more mangoes for you to eat.”
And on many a hot summer day Sally’s parents would look out the window and see
with an empty bucket sitting next to her…Sally eating a mango in the shade of her mango tree.
Later, when she’d bring her own family for a visit…after playing in the sun.
Sally would bring the bucket of water…and the tree provided mangoes for everyone.
When her parents died they left Sally their house which included her mango tree.
and now when an older Sally asks, “Would you like a drink?”
She adds “This bucket seems heavier than it used to be.”
“Yes please.” The old mango tree answers. “And I’ve got a mango ready for you.”
It’s funny how over the years these mangoes seem a little heavier too.”
Now when they come to visit on a summer day Sally’s grandchildren know where she will be…
next to a bucket…eating a mango…in the shade of her mango tree.
