OLD MOTHER HUBBARD'S SURPRISE

OLD MOTHER HUBBARD'S SURPRISE

Old Mother Hubbard had just restocked her cupboard with four bags of food and some bones for her little dog. Shopping had been a treat for her, since she didn't get out to shop very much at all. Sometimes the cupboard was bare, but today she had bought enough to last for a whole month.

She made herself a cup of tea, and placed some cookies on a plate as a special treat. She sat down in her chair by the window, and looked out at the beautiful fresh snow that had fallen last night.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something move! She jumped up and put on her glasses to see better what was outside. Right there, on the windowsill, looking in with a sad little face, was the cutest chipmunk she'd ever seen!

The chipmunk was cold and shivering! "Oh, my!" said Old Mother Hubbard, "that will never do! I will go to the cupboard and find a treat for that little chipmunk.

Opening a box of trail mix, which has nuts and raisins and cereral bits, she put some in the cover of a jar. Opening the door slightly, she pushed the cover outside. She hoped that the chipmunk would see it!

She watched as the chipmunk scampered over to the cover, and thought she could see a smile on its face! "I will name him Chilly Chipmunk", she said to herself, "What a cute little fellow!"

Chilly Chipmunk could not believe his good fortune! He stuffed his cheeks full and bounded away, leaving only a bit of the mix in the cover.
He would tell his brother and sisters about this!
He knew Mom and Dad might be upset that he just took a chance on eating a stranger's food, but he was so hungry!

Soon the news spread, and before she knew it, there were several chipmunks in the yard, all with the same little sad look on their faces!
She filled the cover once more, and even added two more covers filled with food.

It was good to share with them, and she laughed as she watched them eat and then tumble over themselves trying to get more.

To her great surprise, Chilly Chipmunk was once more sitting on the windowsill. No sad face this time! Chilly put one little paw on the window as if to say 'THANK YOU'.

Old Mother Hubbard was happy too. Her little dog came over to her and begged for a bone. "Oh, of course!" she said. Back she went to the cupboard, but once she had given the dog his bone, she noticed that Chilly Chipmunk had gone.

Everyday she would look out the window and watch for Chilly Chipmunk to return. Sometimes she thought she caught a glimpse of him as he ran back to the woods.

Early one morning she saw that Chilly Chipmunk was back at the window. Then quick as a wink, he was gone. She looked out, and there on the windowsill was a raisin and a nut. Chilly was sharing his breakfast with her!

Sometimes, when you think you are all alone, you only have to look out the window and you may find a new friend too. Old Mother Hubbard knew how to share, and cared about the little chipmunks. She also loved her dog very much. No, she was not alone, and certainly not lonely, for she had been given a surprise that would make her smile for years to come.

As Old Mother Hubbard knelt by her bed to say her prayers that night, she gave thanks for sending her these new little friends, and for having food again in her cupboard.

As she started to fall asleep, she pictured little Chilly Chipmunk, nestled down in his own bed, warm and not hungry anymore. She smiled.
Breakfast would be served again in the morning.
And then - she fell asleep.

In his nest, Chilly Chipmunk dreamed about the nice lady who gave food to him and his family.
He smiled in his sleep. It really was a good world!