“It doesn’t matter what size you are,” said the owl. “Just use your brains and you will find that you are big enough to do anything.

Once a week my son and the rest of his class go to the school library and choose their two weekly library books. I am always very interested to see his book selections – you know – to see what naturally catches their attention and imagination etc.

Recently, one of the two, which my little man brought home was called “How to count crocodiles”, which was a compilation of short stories, told by Margaret Mayo. The one that caught my attention was called “The very small tabby cat”.

AMAZING STORY is an understatement! – Perhaps it resonated with me a little more than it would with most…

Essentially (and in short) the story went something like this: There once was a very tiny tabby cat, who wanted nothing more than to be big like the other animals. Frustrated and distraught over her size, she went to visit some of the larger animals to ask how they had managed to grow so large. Needless to say, none of them really knew, and they did nothing more than describe their daily antics to her – which she then decided to replicate… to no avail obviously.

Out of desperation, she eventually went to go and see the wise old owl.

She found the owl, high up in a tree, blinking his big round eyes, open and shut, open and shut. “Friend owl,” said the tabby cat, “tell me, please, what must I do to grow big?”

The owl closed his eyes and opened them again. “Why do you want to be big?” he asked. “I want to be big, so that if I get into a fight I can win.” said the tabby cat. “Has anybody ever picked a fight with you?” the owl asked. “No, she said. I am friends with everyone.” “Then you don’t need to be bigger,” said the owl. “But I am so small and I am always, always looking up at the other animals and I am tired of that. I would like them to look up at me sometimes.” The owl closed his eyes and opened them again…

“Can you climb a tree?” he asked. “Yes, I can.” She said.

“Then you don’t need to be any bigger. When you want a big animal to look up at you – climb a tree!”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” said the tabby cat.

“It doesn’t matter what size you are,” said the owl. “Just use your brains and you will find that you are big enough to do anything.”

Oh man!!!! Don’t you just love that message?! Right?! Wonderful! (I wish more of the cartoons on television sent such self-empowering messages, even if they really had to be delivered by a five eyed squid with purple hair and an attitude).

I say, that perhaps this short story resonated with me a little more than it might with other people… is because my little boy is short. Like teeny tiny – but he most definitely makes up for it in personality and attitude (the good kind), no questions! – but the reality is, that children can be cruel and I never, EVER want him to grow up with “short man syndrome”.

On the occasions that Jude has brought the matter up to me regarding his height, I have always told him that he is not short,
NO - he is COMPACT AWESOME – and if anyone ever says anything to him about it, that is what he should tell them. Which to my knowledge, he has done a few times over the years.

I am very grateful that the school which he attends has a zero tolerance policy towards bullying, and a very inclusive ethic as a whole, so, as yet, the issue has never raised its head – but as a mom, if I am honest, I cannot honestly say that it doesn’t worry me for when he gets a little older.

I do try to focus my thoughts on the fact that between his home life, our support as parents, family support and that of his school – he will know precisely who he is as he climbs the ladder of life and will be more than able to stand on his own two feet. Besides, he’s so damn good looking that he is probably going to have to spend more time worrying about fending off all the girls, never mind the bullies – and if all else fails – kick them in the nuts (yes, he has mommy’s permission. Lol)

Time passes so fleetingly. Can you remember when you were 8? Well, great if you can - but I can't! lol - I have a few select memories, but I don’t remember the “daily activity” – you know, the things we moms and dads kill ourselves over on a day to day basis (whilst trying to keep the financial support system ticking along), like playing Lego, dressing up, painting faces, making endless sandwiches, reading bedtime stories and so on…

BUT – these/those times in their little lives and worlds are so, SO very important. It is what forms them into the adults they become… and my son seems to be quite happy with being “compact awesome”.

Well, all I can say is - Long may it last – through our continued support and encouragement.

For those that are interested… below is a link to the book... https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/how-to-count-crocodiles/author/margaret-mayo/ - Get it. It really is a lovely book!

Until next time...

Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx

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