Polly

Polly spent most days sitting alone, sadly looking at her reflection in the mirror. Countless lonely hours were spent trying to figure out why all the squirrels in the forest refused to accept her. In the mirror, she saw long curly eyelashes with huge eyes. Her fur was soft and silky with unusual highlights. It varied in color depending on how the sun beamed on it. The fur underneath her belly was as white as snow. Her tail was long, full, and bushy. As she continued to observe her reflection in the mirror, she became painfully aware of the striking differences between her and all the other squirrels. Just like all the other squirrels in the forest her mother had the same small black eyes, dull gray fur, and semi-short less bushy tail. Even her mother was baffled by her unusual features.

Polly’s plight will illustrate to you how children today will take any characteristic or any physical differences and find fault to make fun, taunt, tease, and sometimes brutally attack you. This can be the cause of low self-esteem, fearfulness, and sadness all because someone dislikes you because you are different. I remember growing up in a community where my peers taunted me about the tone of my skin. Unfortunately, rejection, snubbing, teasing, and taunting still exists in the form of bullying and it’s even more prevalent today.

As you read Polly’s story you will see how one little squirrel gained respect and friendship from her peers through her selflessness, bravery, and courage. Her peers will learn a valuable lesson in pre-judging as it pertains to someone because of their nationality, physical appearance, race, or ethnicity.

The author was born and raised in Richmond County, North Carolina. She is the youngest of eight children. Her career spans from being a nanny for over twelve years to becoming an entrepreneur, making and selling organic confectionery. Her candy was sold in several stores in Charlotte, North Carolina, via the internet. Baking and writing have always been her passion, and she also loves reading, gardening, and listening to ’60s’ music.Ms. Hanes loves children and animals. She feels that using animals to tell the story of Sergio and his plight would better convey the message that she is trying to impart to children. This story is about intimidation and finding one’s inner strength. The only way to win the battle is to begin. The reward is the feeling of euphoria when one succeeds.The author now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Andrew. They have two daughters, one son, and four delightful grandchildren.