The Messenger Tortoise

One day, a long time ago, the animals inhabiting a great forest were told that a group of men intended to knock down all the trees to turn them into timber.

Terrified, as this would represent their destruction too, they decided to send a message to a group of friends and nature lovers asking for help.

The animals gathered to decide who would be the bearer of the message, for it was a very important mission, and the place they would have to go was far, far away.

Volunteering themselves to the task were a little bird, a squirrel, a monkey and a tortoise.

- I’m the best - said the little bird - because I can fly and quickly deliver the message.

The squirrel combed his soft hair and spoke proudly:

- I’m better able to do the job because I'm fast and agile!

The monkey, scratching its head, said:

- No! I'm the right one because, jumping from branch to branch, I'll get there more quickly.

Everyone laughed as the little tortoise came forward. After all, it was urgent that the message be delivered quickly, and the tortoise was admittedly very slow. After the laughter subsided, the lion asked:

- Why do you think you're capable of being the bearer?

- Because I have confidence in God that I will succeed! - replied the tortoise calmly.

After much discussion, the animals decided, very wisely, that for greater security, all four would carry the message. Whoever arrived first would have the honour of delivering it.

And so, on a fine morning of sunshine, the messengers set off with the hopes and trust of all the animals.

The squirrel jumped forward quickly; the bird spread its wings and flew fast through the sky; the monkey, jumping from tree to tree, kept going until he could not be seen anymore. Only the poor tortoise began the journey with her slow march, to the annoyance of the others.

They faced dangers and obstacles. As soon as the trees ended, the monkey had to continue on foot as well.

At one point there was a great mudslide and because they did not want to take shelter in order not to interrupt the march, the monkey and the squirrel were hit and could not continue.

The little bird flew by without much difficulty, but the tortoise, seeing danger, quietly hid herself in her shell waiting for it to pass.

Further on, there was a terrible storm, and the little bird, despite clinging to the trees to protect itself, was dragged by the strong wind. The tortoise, however, stopped again, hiding in her shell from the storm's furore, waiting for the weather to improve. Then she continued on her journey.

As a result of the heavy rains, many regions were totally flooded, but the brave tortoise did not discourage. Keeping the letter very safe so it would not get wet, the tortoise continued the journey swimming.

And so, overcoming enormous difficulties, unexpected dangers and difficult obstacles, she reached her destination.

Right then she knew, very surprised, that she was the first to arrive!

She felt proud and satisfied, for she was greeted by everyone, as if she were a hero. And she returned home with the friends who would protect them and prevent the destruction of the forest.

She was carried in their arms, arriving in full of glory, to the amazement of all animals who could never have imagined that the little tortoise would accomplish such an important mission.

The animals then realised that all creatures deserve respect and consideration, and that all are able to win. That often it is not creatures that seem to have the best conditions that win, but those that make the best use of the possibilities they have.

They then asked the tortoise to what she attributed her victory.

- I believe that without patience, persistence, courage, and a lot of faith, I could not have won - she replied.

And she concluded quietly:

- Only this way we can win!

AUNT CELIA

Translation:
Johnny Silveira / silveirajohnny@yahoo.com