Sample Solution Stories

The following stores help you find solutions to the problems listed here. Scroll down until you find the story you want to read which will be about: Learning Disability, Sadness, Pranksters, Pride Versus Humility. More stories will be added later and you will be able to select the stories you want to read from many different categories.

Solution Story - Learning Disability

Michele Hummingbird

One afternoon, in a little nest in the woods, a baby hummingbird's face broke through the egg that had been her cozy home for as long as she could remember. As she freed herself from the shell, she beamed to see the wonders surrounding her. She was small and beautiful, and her bright little eyes eagerly took in the sights and sounds of the woods, making her want to go everywhere and do everything at once!

Her parents loved their little bird-baby, whom they named Michele, with all their hearts, and they did everything they could to take care of her and cherish her. She developed a friendly, happy spirit that made all the other hummingbirds "hummmmm" a happy greeting when she buzzed by.

As she got older, it began to appear that, although she was very smart, she was a little different than the other baby hummingbirds. Instead of flitting around freely and easily like they did, she would flutter-and-bump into anything that was in the way, including the other birds!

And when it came time to begin learning all the things that little hummingbirds need to learn, Michele found that she had trouble remembering. She had trouble remembering her alphabet and her numbers and all the things you're supposed to do with them. She had trouble remembering shapes and directions, too!

But her parents taught her that hummingbirds are brave and strong and that they always try to do their best. So, with that indomitable hummingbird spirit, little Michele kept on trying.

Soon, it was time for her to go to Hummingbird School. It didn't take the teachers long to see that perhaps Michele needed some extra help, so they recommended that she take a test to see if she should receive special hummingbird-school services. Michele's parents had to flit and flutter and squawk to get the testing done because of a lazy teacher-bird, but it was finally completed and Michele began to get the help she needed and deserved.

This was not an easy time in Michele's life. The little hummingbird struggled because she still didn't learn things the same way the other hummingbird children did. Although she could do some things better than the other hummingbirds, there were other things that she had a terrible time doing! She had a hard time focusing on lessons, especially when she had to read those lessons. And, although she didn't have trouble reading words, she had an awful time understanding what those words were trying to tell her. And she still had awful problems with numbers!

Sometimes, the other little hummingbirds would laugh at Michelle or make fun of her because she wasn't like them. That would really break her little heart. But, true to the hummingbird way, she had courage and she had spirit. She didn't give up! She worked like a trooper, with her parent hummingbirds there to support her.

Her mommy-bird and daddy-bird worked right along with her. They made sure that her teachers were teaching her in a way that was best for her, and although most of the teacher-birds were great, sometimes there had to be a lot of angry squawking at others who didn't understand.

Her parent-birds also worked hard to help Michele be organized and honest, and to make sure she liked herself and knew how smart she really was. They knew how very important those things were. They also made sure to take trips with her and her little hummingbird brother, and do all the fun things hummingbirds like to do.

By the time Michele attended Hummingbird High School, she was able to work in regular classes with just a little help on homework (but only when she needed it). She began to feel happy and worthwhile again!

When Michelle graduated, she went to Hummingbird College and was very successful there. After a period of time, she got married and now she is an adult hummingbird, flitting happily in the woods without bumping into anybody…

…and humming happily as she sips the nectar of life!

NOTE:
This is a sweet little animal tale made up to tell the true story of a very real family. Michele was a child who struggled with a learning disability. Today, she is an adult with a learning disability. But she doesn't struggle nearly as much any more!

Through much strength and courage and an indomitable spirit, and the love and support of her family, Michele has been able to compensate for her difficulties. Now she lives the life of a happy adult, and continues to be the kind, loving, and compassionate person that her parents always saw.

Written by Michele Alley and Sandy Gauvin

For more information on LD Perspectives,
the challenges faced by Michele and her family,
and other information regarding learning disabilities,
please visit www.sandygauvin.com.

Solution Story - Sadness

Amen!

"Grandma, what does 'Amen' mean?"

My seven-year-old grandson's curiosity had finally broken the silence. In the two days that he had been staying with me, his silence had become deafening. Brad had always been a happy-go-lucky boy with a wide grin and a bright spark in his eyes. The shock of his mother being in the hospital had stymied him. Each time I looked into his tear-filled blue eyes, it broke my heart.

I had been singing an old gospel song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow," while my silent little helper and I made fudge, stirring the rich, mouth-watering chocolate on the stove. As we poured the hot fudge into a bowl, I had finished the hymn with a rousing "Amen, Amen, Amen"!

And then came Brad's quiet question, the first words he had spoken in two whole days. "Grandma, what does 'Amen' mean?"

As I beat the fudge by hand to get it to just the right consistency, I replied, "Sometimes people use the word 'Amen' when they've said something they think is important," which is what I did.

"And sometimes people use the word 'Amen" when they think someone else has said something important, to let them know they approve." I emptied the fudge onto a plate.

Brad tentatively poked his finger into one end of the cooling fudge, and I said with mock-seriousness, "Wait until it sets, young man!" and swatted him away with my dish towel. I was rewarded with a small smile.

Sitting down next to him, I went on, "Sometimes I use 'Amen' when I pray for something good to happen or when something good has happened. It's a way I use to affirm my blessings and my gratitude for all the good in my life."

I cut the cooled fudge into squares and handed a yummy-looking piece to Brad. He didn't take it. Instead, he said quietly, "But how do you feel grateful when you are feeling sad, really sad?"

I popped the piece onto a napkin in front of him. "Oh, that's one of the most important times to feel gratitude! Even when we are feeling sad we can be grateful. Right now, I'm grateful for the doctors and nurses who are taking good care of your mother. I'm grateful we have each other and this nice house. And I'm grateful for the strength to carry on, and the promise of hope that your mother will be well soon."

Brad just stared at me. I held my breath. Then, he picked up the fudge, and in a tiny voice said, "Okay, I'm grateful for this fudge," and popped it into his mouth. I breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Of course, you are! Who could help it!" And chewed my own piece with grunts of pleasure and eye-rolling satisfaction.

Brad laughed, and then his words poured out--all of the things he was grateful for.

"Mommy has magic kisses, Grandma! One time I fell off my bike in front of some big kids who laughed at me, and Mommy kissed my tears and told me I was a big boy and they were just being silly-heads and I felt happy and got back on my bike and I haven't fallen off since. Not once! And at night, when she tucks me into bed, she always plugs in the nightlight, hands me teddy, and tells me stories til I fall asleep. I love her stories, they're magic, too--all about princes and dragons and baseballs and rocketships! You know what else, Grandma?"

Just then, the phone rang and I said, "Hold that thought!" and answered it.

"Hello. Yes? Yes? Oh, that's wonderful news! Thanks so much for calling. We are so grateful!" I turned to my grandson's eager face.

"Your mother is going to be all right. She's coming home soon!"

We danced around the large, old kitchen, shouting "Amen! Amen! Amen!" until we were both out of breath. Then, Brad pulled me down to eye-level and said, "It works! Counting our blessings in time of trouble works, doesn't it, Grandma?"

"Amen to that, Brad," I said with a laugh. "Amen!"

Written by Katherine Scherer
Co-author of Gratitude Works,
an inspirational book
by Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh,
available through www.GratitudeWorks.com

Solution Story - Pranksters

The Locker Lesson

My 13-year-old son had started attending one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation, an honor that we were paying $20,000 a year for and at a school that had 100 applications for each spot! When he came home the second month with a horrified look on his face, telling me that he'd done something awful and needed advice, I was more than a little concerned.

He explained that, as a prank, he had given a boy's locker combination to someone else. That person had opened the locker, and trashed all the books and belongings inside. My son didn't know what to do, so he asked for my advice.

Here's what I guided him to do: He called the boy who's locker was trashed, told him that he was responsible, and that he would do whatever it took to make things right. He called the boy's parents, told them he was sorry and would do whatever it took to make things right. Even though the mother was yelling at him and calling him names, I stood by his side, and he continued to apologize. The next morning, he went to the Dean's office before his first class, told the Dean what he had done, and said he would do whatever it took to make things right.

These steps were some of the most terrifying moments of my son's life up until that time. I can remember the look of horror on his face as the mother cursed him and called him names. I also remember that he was able to stand up tall, with dignity and with self-esteem, as he went to school the next morning to talk with the Dean. He felt good about himself, not because he had made a mistake (as everyone is going to do in life!), but because he had the courage to stand up and admit it. He had the integrity to take responsibility for his actions and the inner strength to do whatever it took to make things right.

Now, you may be wondering what happened in all of this. My son had to pay for a new lock for the boy's locker. That was it. The Dean called me to tell me he had never in his entire career seen a student carry himself with such dignity and integrity. He was truly impressed and thanked me for the guidance I'd given him. He thanked me for raising a responsible human being.

The boy whose locker had been trashed barely talked to my son for four years. And yet, when they were graduating from high school and went to their elementary school reunion, it was as if nothing had ever happened.

Yes, it took some time for the wounds to heal, but in the end everything turned out fine.

What happened to the boy who actually opened the locker and trashed it? He refused to apologize and his parents refused to make him apologize. He was put on detention for weeks and was asked to leave the school at the end of the year.

We all make mistakes-some of them are big ones, some of them are small ones. My son made a mistake, and in the process got to learn a very valuable lesson.

Honesty is always the best policy. Taking responsibility for what you say and do is essential if you want to feel good about yourself. It may not be easy. It may feel crummy and uncomfortable. You may get yelled at. In the end, though, you'll be able to walk with your head held high, you will be able to go to sleep in peace at night, and you will be respected.

Most important of all, you will respect yourself!

Written by Debbie Friedman

Debbie Friedman, C.Ht., is a speaker
and certified Clinical Hypnotherapist.
She is the creator of the popular
"Cleaning Out the Closet of Your Mind for Wealth"
CD series and
"Manifesting: The Step-by-Step Process for the
Secret of Success" CD and book series.

Debbie's office and private practice are in
Southern California, where she conducts
regular workshops, support groups,
seminars, and teleconferences.
www.CleaningOutTheCloset.com
Pacific Palisades, California, USA

Solution Story - Pride Versus Humility

Stay Connected

Melissa was so happy to be in the school drum line! Every Thursday, she would jump out of bed early to go to school because she knew that they would rehearse at 11 a.m. This Thursday morning was no exception. She bounded into school with her drumsticks and smiled at everyone in the school halls.

At 11 a.m., she went down to rehearsal and the drums were being set up. Mr. Olandro, their music teacher, was asking everyone to get set up quickly so they could rehearse their two new drum charts for the coming spring concert. When they began their warm-up hand-coordination exercises, Melissa felt the joy of rhythm and of moving her hands all over again.

Then Mr. Olandro started rehearsing their piece "Dancing Raindrops," which had great mallet parts and a little solo for Melissa. Every time she played the solo part well on her snare drum, the other kids smiled. To her amazement, she found that they looked up to her and were being nicer to her in other classes, at recess, and in the cafeteria. On the way home on the bus, she thought, "This must be a tiny version of what famous stars feel!" She didn't want to admit it to anyone or even herself, but she loved the extra attention.

The day of the spring concert came and it was almost as if she got too excited. She kept asking her grandparents and neighbors if they were coming to the school concert to see her drum line. Every time the drum line had performed in the past, everyone was really happy and proud of her, so she expected another wonderful concert this time.

But, for some crazy reason, everything went wrong that day. She forgot her homework and her teacher got really mad. She spilled her food during lunch in the cafeteria, looking very clumsy. She was running too fast at recess and fell and skinned her knee and hand. The only thing keeping her spirits up was the thought of the fun she would have performing music at the concert that night.

Well, things continued to go badly the rest of the afternoon and then the moment came that she would never forget. After arriving at school late for the concert, and rushing to pull herself together, she went on to perform with the drum line.

The piece did not get started well and Melissa got a little flustered. She so wanted things to go well, especially her solo. In front of all her neighbors, grandparents, parents, fellow drum line members, classmates, and school community, Melissa got nervous and forgot to come in at the right spot for her solo!

It was as if the drum line had gotten off to a shaky start and could not get back on track. Then it got worse…Melissa tried to make up for coming in late for her solo, but she played her it badly and for way too long. Her cheeks flushed bright red and she felt like crawling into a hole forever. The other drum line members were shooting her dirty looks and when the piece was finally over, there was only polite applause for the efforts of Mr. Olandro and the children.
Melissa left the stage feeling as bad as she ever had in her life.

Afterward, her parents said, "It was great honey!" but she knew the truth in her heart. No big smiles and "Wow, you guys are awesome!" like she was used to hearing. Melissa dreaded the thought of going to school next Monday.

She withdrew into herself. She faked being sick so she didn't have to go to school on Monday. When she went on Tuesday she slid along the hall walls and hid out at recess. Then it got worse when some of the drum line members made fun of her solo at lunch. It was as if her fears were attracting bad attention from the other kids now. Melissa just pulled into herself for the next several months.

Mr. Olandro kept giving Melissa new parts for drum line but she never practiced. She didn't know it but she was protecting herself from having another bad experience like the one at the spring concert.

One day, Mr. Olandro asked Melissa to meet him at the school office after lunch. She was nervous. Mr. Olandro took her into the Principal's office and the three of them sat down in that scary "adult-looking place." Mr. Olandro began by saying that he had noticed that she had not been herself for a long time and that it would be good if she could be honest and explain what was going on.

After several questions and much discomfort, Melissa revealed that she had so enjoyed the extra attention she got as a star drummer that when she blew the solo and became unpopular, she had withdrawn completely into herself and shut down. Melissa fought back the tears but one trickled down her left cheek.

After a quiet moment, Mr. Olandro said, "Melissa, is it possible that there is a beautiful life lesson in the concert and the last few months?" This question surprised Melissa because all she felt was horrible about the whole thing. He went on, "Let's reframe the way we look at this, okay?"

Melissa nodded hesitantly.

"Do you think any other child or adult performer has gone through this?" She nodded again. "Sooooooo," he dragged out the sound, "many musicians have gone from being well liked and respected to being put down and disliked, haven't they, Melissa? Some have even taken their own lives over it."

This got Melissa's attention because she had had a few, tiny, fleeting thoughts about that.

Mr. Orlandro continued, "Melissa, all musicians have to deal with this fragile balance of ego and humbleness. Those that are healthy and do well over their whole lives make music because they LOVE to! They enjoy when other people are pleased with what they do, but they would do it either way. I invite you to find that place in your heart where you go back to playing the drums because you love it."

This thought made Melissa smile.

" Melissa, our culture so worships stars that in my opinion it is unhealthy. Don't you think the toughest time to stay connected to your friends and classmates and family is when you are hurting the most? It is hard. It really is, but you have been vulnerable with us here right now, and that is what you should do with your friends and family as well. Those that respect your honesty are the ones you want to keep as friends."

This made Melissa cry some more. But she heard the truth in his words and her heart began to feel lighter!

And then Mr. Orlandro said, "Melissa, please move forward. Face that bad concert with honesty and forgiveness toward yourself."

They left the office and it was awkward because Melissa did not want to leave with tearstains on her cheek. But at the same time, that conversation stuck with her and she remembered it for the rest of her life….

Written by Todd Omohundro

About the Author

Todd Omohundro "Todd-O"

Todd is a catalyst for music fun and creativity! He has a BA in music composition and an MA in music education from the University Of The Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Todd is a composer, performer and music teacher. He is currently the CEO of Rhythm Bandits Inc. which creates rhythm training DVDs and software for kid drum ensembles. Please visit:www.rhythmbandits.com

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