Ralph Helfer

Trees are like people and give the answers to the way of Man. They grow from the top down. Children, like treetops, have flexibility of youth, and sway more than larger adults at the bottom. They are more vulnerable to the elements, and are put to the test of survival by life's strong winds, rain, freezing cold, and hot sun. Constantly challenged. As they mature, they journey down the tree, strengthening the family unit until one day they have become big hefty branches. In the stillness below, having weathered the seasons, they now relax in their old age, no longer subject to the stress from above. It's always warmer and more enclosed at the base of the tree. The members remain protected and strong as they bear the weight and give support to the entire tree. They have the endurance.

Katrina held Bram in her arms, speaking softly, reassuringly, as they approached baby Modoc.This was an important moment, a beginning, for she knew the boy would spend his life with animals, especially elephants, and the meeting was of utmost importance. Neither the elephant nor the baby said a word. All was quiet as they looked at each other. Mo__ small trunk wormed its way up, reaching to the baby. As Bram leaned over, his little hand pulled loose from Katrina__ grasp found its way down toward the trunk. A finger extended to meet the tip of the trunk. Bram__ expression was one of curiosity; he felt the wet tip, Modoc moved her __inger_ all around Bram__ hand, sliding it across each finger and the palm. A big tickle grin spread across Bram__ face, Modoc did her elephant __hirp,_ a tear glistened as it ran down Katrina__ face. All was well. The future had been written.