Author Archives: Ross Mannell

I met a family with five daughters. Each day, mother arrived followed, in line, by the eldest to youngest daughter. I smiled as I thought of images from the “Madeline” books and the little girls who walked in straight lines

One day, the daughter in my class shared the news she was going to have a baby brother.

“I love children,” mother explained, “but I didn’t have a son.”

I smiled, “You have a beautiful family.”

She laughed, “My husband asked if I was happy now… but it would be nice if he had a little brother to play with. Would seven prove to be too much?”

Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.

One bright candle lights the darkness… Another flickers to life followed by another. As the numbers grow, the glow lights a myriad of young faces.

One voice, then another as the chorus begins. Parents look on in awe, never before seeing the beauty of their children in such a way. Some shed tears… but not of sadness, of joy.

The sound of a hundred young voices fills the air, building to a crescendo. As the voices grow softer, one by one flames are snuffed until one remains.

There is silence.

Together the flames brought light to the dark. Together, their voices brought joy.

Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.

The elders gathered the clan together, “Kinfolk, the line was drawn on the Field of Time. Who will shape the future?”

“I choose,” a small voice was heard.

The folk separated to show the owner of the voice.

“Isabeau, no! You’re too young,” her frightened mother warned.

An elder scolded, “All in the clan may choose. Step forward and cross the line.”

Isabeau crossed and vanished.

A great light from the heavens lighted the sky of a blue planet. The light struck with great force. The prophecy was fulfilled. The Age of Dinosaurs had to end to make way for those who would come.

“The rain turned the road into a river. The river became a lake. The lake became a sea. The sea became an ocean. Finally, the last of the land disappeared below the waters in the great deluge,” it was explained.

The children listened intently to the words, their minds unquestioning, except one, “Where did all the water come from?”

“The clouds, now be still and listen,” came the reply. “All were safe in the Ark, Noah, his family and two of all the animals.”

Again a question, “How could all the world’s animals fit into one boat?”

“Stop asking stupid questions or you’ll amount to nothing, Albert Einstein.”

Murray was about to serve for the championship when the only sound to be heard was that of the veritable pin. I sat transfixed by the scene on the wide screen television I had bought just for the tennis. Even from my seat I could feel the tension in the air.

“Mum!” came a call from the next room. “Come and look!”

“Not now! What are they up to?” I mumbled as I rushed to the call.

“I painted Sophie,” Josh announced.

“Pretty!” giggled Sophie.

I rushed to grab the camera. Sophie was painted from head to toe. Both were giggling.

Tennis could wait for the replay. This was priceless.