03/06/98

A Song for Tucker

In honor of "Read Across America Day," which was March 2, 1998, I would like to share the following story, entitled "A Song for Tucker," written by a friend of mine for special needs children. I hope you and your children enjoy it.

Sandy Tovray wrote this story modeling the ambitions of her own special needs child. It is targeted to part of a series on being different. Sandy is also the author of Helping Your Special Needs Child (Prima Publishing). You reach her via email.

It was a beautiful sunny day. Tucker had just finished his morning shower, where he had been singing his favorite song, the one about sunshine. He dried himself off while looking in the mirror.

"It's still there," he muttered aloud as he looked at his crooked shell. He got ready to play the wish game anyway. Every day Tucker would stand in front of the mirror, close his eyes and recite:

Mirror, mirror when I open my eyes, Please show me a magic surprise. For what I would like to see, Is a shell as straight as can be.

But each day when he opened his eyes, the mirror always showed the same thing. You see, Tucker was born with a crooked shell, not a big crook, but just crooked enough to make it hard for him to move as fast as other turtles or play some of the games they played.

Berthola and Clarence had taken their son to all the best turtle doctors, but they all said the same thing.

"Some shells can be corrected, but I'm afraid Tudker's will always be crooked."

As Tucker finished drying himself off and dressing himself, he could smell pancakes cooking in the kitchen.

"Oh, yum, I hope they're blueberry," he thought. Blueberry pancakes were his favorite.

He marched into the kitchen, pleased to see that at least one of his wishes of the day had come true. Two great big, round blueberry pancakes were on his plate. He was so excited he started to sing a song about a pancake man.

Tucker's mother smiled. She was so proud of her little singing turtle. Tucker loved to sing and he sang everywhere; in the shower, at the playground, walking to school. He even sang himself to sleep.

His father had always said, "Tucker, my little pet, you have true talent. Your singing will take you places someday."

Tucker wasn't really sure what he meant by taking him places, but he knew it was something good, and he always beamed with pride when his father said it.

One day, Tucker and his friend Sammy were walking home from school through the park. Sammy noticed a sign announcing the First Annual Turtle Olympics to be held on Saturday.

"Hey, Tucker," Sammy said, "Let's sign up!"

"Aw, Sammy, you know I'm not very good at races," said Tucker.

Sammy just stared at Tucker, wanting to say something to make him feel better but not sure what to say. Tucker knew that Sammy meant well, but he didn't really understand how it felt to be different. No one did.

"Hey, Crook Back, what are you here for? There's nothing for you to sign up for."

Tucker looked up to see Terence, better known as Tough Terry, the class bully.

"I...ah...ah," stammered Tucker. "I'm waiting for Sammy to sign up for the races."

"Oh yeah, well make sure that's the only reason you're here. There's no room for any slowpokes at these Olympics." With that, he gave Tucker a little shove and marched away.

Tucker just stared back speechless. This time, he was the one not sure what to say.

Abigail Potter was standing nearby. She was in Tucker's third grade class and had the most beautiful, shiny shell.

"He really doesn't mean any harm. He's just an ole meanie. He's always teasing my little sister."

Tucker smiled weakly. "I guess you're right."

However, deep down Tucker didn't think Abigail was right. After all, Abigail's little sister didn't have a crooked shell. By this time Sammy was ready and the two friends walked home. Tucker was really glad he had a friend like Sammy.

Saturday arrived with blue skies and a lot of sunshine, but Tucker had an espcially hard time climbing out of bed. He kept crawling deeper and deeper under the covers. When he finally got out of bed, he stood in front of the mirror to play his usual game, but today he just did not feel like making a wish.

"Why should I play this dumb old game anyway," he muttered. "It never changes. The mirror always wins."

He stepped into the shower and started to sing, as usual. It seemed that no matter what kind of mood he was in, he always felt like singing. In fact, he always felt a little better after singing.

He was right in the middle of one of his favorite songs about a red engine that liked to look at the countryside and was slower than the other engines, when he suddenly stopped singing and quickly shut off the shower. He dressed as fast as he could and rushed into the kitchen.

"Hi, Mom, no time for breadfast." He was so excited he could hardly talk. "I've got to hurry to get to the Olympics."

"Oh, honey. I'm so glad you changed your mind," Berthola answered, "but you need breakfast, especially if you're going to run in the races."

Grabbing some bread off the counter, he exclaimed, "Oh, I'm not going to the Olympics to race."

He kissed his confused mother and left. Although it was hard for him to move very fast, he did his best to get there on time. Passing the town clock, he sighed with relief. The races hadn't started yet.

When he arrived at the park, he rushed up to the stage just as the announcer was about to start the first race. Everyone looked up. They were wondering why Tucker was up on the stage.

Tucker whispered something into the announcer's ear.

"Well, oh, sure thing, Tucker. What a great idea!" declared the announcer.

The announcer then shouted into the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen and turtles of all ages. I've just been reminded that all Olympic events start with some kind of opening ceremony, so Tucker will officially open the First Annual Turtle Olympics with a song."

Tucker proudly took his place on the stage, looked out at the waiting audience, then opened his mouth as wide as he could and sang the most beautiful song he had ever sung.

When he finished, there was a loud burst of whistling and clapping.

"Yeah, Tucker!"

"Wonderful song!"

"Great voice, Tucker!"

"Do it again next year!"

Tucker wasn't quite sure, but he thought he even saw Terry break out with a smile, a teensy one, but it was definitely a smile.

Taking his bow, Tucker smiled proudly. Then he shouted, "Let the games begin!"

The games began and Tucker cheered loudly for all the athletes.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.