Your Story Hour

Aunt Nikki: Welcome to Your Story Hour. I'm Aunt Nikki.

Uncle Jon: And I'm Uncle Jon, and we're here to bring you today's inspiring story.

Aunt Nikki: Hello, boys and girls.

Uncle Jon: And moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas, too.

Aunt Nikki: Oh Uncle Jon, I'm so glad that you mentioned parents and grandparents because today's story is multi-generational.

Uncle Jon: Really? Well, perhaps I'm something of a mind reader, Aunt Nikki. I could add that to my long list of personal skills and talents, right under world-famous joke teller.

Aunt Nikki: Oh Uncle Jon, all joking aside, world-famous or otherwise, yes, in today's story we'll be introduced to three generations of Parishes.

Uncle Jon: Three generations? Pretty cool. So who are the Parishes?

Aunt Nikki: Well, the last name of the family is Parish, of course. And let's see, there's Jen, age 13, her father whose name is Nelson, age 40, and Jen's grandpa, Buddy.

Uncle Jon: How old is Jen's grandpa?

Aunt Nikki: Well, in parts of the story he's an old man and in parts of the story he's a little boy.

Uncle Jon: I'm guessing that's because Jen's grandpa tells a story about when he's a kid.

Aunt Nikki: You got it, Uncle Jon. And this story helps Jen learn a very important lesson. You see, she has been a bit spoiled.

Uncle Jon: Uh-oh.

Aunt Nikki: Has there ever been a time when you wanted something really bad, but for some reason couldn't have it?

Uncle Jon: Oh yes, that's happened to me many, many times.

Aunt Nikki: Well, it happened to Jen, too.

Uncle Jon: Really? What did Jen want?

Aunt Nikki: Oh, I don't want to give all the story away, Uncle Jon. I'll just say that today's story involves a baseball uniform that came from apple trees.

Uncle Jon: What? A baseball uniform that came from apple trees?

Aunt Nikki: I can tell your curiosity is peaked. So let's just get started with the story I call "Buddy's Apple Tree Uniform."

Aunt Carole: Jen Parish was pretty much like every other 13-year-old girl. She loved spending time with her friends, eating pizza, and of course, playing video games. However, there was one way in which Jen was different from many other girls her age.

Both her parents were wealthy lawyers and Jen had just about everything a girl her age could possibly want. She lived in a large home with a luxurious bedroom all to herself, wore the most stylish clothes, and even had a purebred dog. As a result, Jen was a very spoiled and selfish child.

Mrs. Parish: Jen! Yoo-hoo, Jen! Come inside for supper!

Jen: In a minute, Mom! I'm playing with Max. Fetch!

Mrs. Parish: I didn't ask you to come in a minute, Jen. I asked you to come now.

Jen: I heard you, Mom. We're just finishing up, aren't we, Max? Good. I don't know what the problem is. You're always telling me to spend more time outside, and here I am outside and you're nagging on me to come in.

Mrs. Parish: I don't like your tone, young lady. Come inside for supper right now.

Jen: Fine!

Aunt Carole: As you can see, Jen had a bad attitude. She was forever complaining about small tasks and often ignored her parents. Sometimes she even talked back. Mr. and Mrs. Parish were at their wits' end. They loved Jen and wanted the best for her, but they also knew they needed to curb her bad behavior. That night at supper...

Jen: Where's Alex?

Mrs. Parish: Your brother's doing a summer program with his football team, and Trevor's mom will bring him home afterward.

Nelson: That was kind of her. Pass the potatoes, dear.

Mrs. Parish: Here you go.

Nelson: Thank you. They're extra delicious tonight. So Jen, tell us about your day.

Jen: It was boring.

Nelson: Boring? How come?

Jen: There's nothing to do.

Nelson: Weren't you playing that computer game today?

Jen: Yeah, I'm trying to beat it, but my computer's a dinosaur. It might as well be from the 1900s.

Nelson: Well, perhaps you should be on your computer less, Jen. You could spend more time with Max. He loves playing with you. Don't you, Maxie boy? Who's a good doggy?

Jen: You're missing the point!

Mrs. Parish: That you need a new computer? Yes, we heard, honey. Pass the green beans, Nelson.

Nelson: Anything for my lovely wife. Thank you. Don't you have something to say to Jen?

Yes. Jen, your mom and I have decided to make a few changes to help you grow as a person.

Jen: What kind of changes? Please don't ruin my life, like making me eat Brussels sprouts or anything.

Nelson: No Brussels sprouts were harmed in the making of this plan. Also, act now and you'll get the bonus of no life-ruining rules! Hurry, this offer won't be available long. Call 1-800-MOM to activate your plan today.

Jen: Ha-ha, okay Dad, but there must be some catch.

Mrs. Parish: We're not trying to have a catch, Jen. We just want what's best for you.

Jen: So do I get the new computer or not?

Nelson: That's up to you.

Jen: What do you mean? Please stop being so mysterious.

Mrs. Parish: Well honey, one of the changes is that you'll have to start earning money yourself for things you want to buy.

Jen: You mean I'll have to work for a new computer? That's so barbaric! Are we poor now? Is this your way of telling me we're destitute?

Nelson: No, we're not destitute. And this barbaric exchange of service for money has been around since the beginning of time. How do you think we buy nice things for you?

It's because your dad and I work hard to provide for both you and Alex. And you can work hard too, by doing chores or helping our neighbors or family members with things.

Jen: I shouldn't have to be treated like a servant just because I need a new gaming computer. Aren't there child labor laws?

Nelson: Well, doing chores and helping neighbors is hardly child labor.

Jen: I guess. What kind of chores will I have to do?

Mrs. Parish: Well, your grandfather's looking for a companion.

Jen: I have to babysit an old person?

Nelson: Maybe we should try that again.

Jen: Yay! I get to help take care of my beloved grandfather!

Nelson: That's right. Grandpa Buddy would love to be with you. He's going to pay you to visit every morning and help out around his house. Some things are more difficult for him as he gets older.

Jen: Fine. I guess I can do it, but only for my computer.

Aunt Carole: Jen hated the idea of working to earn extra money. After all, shouldn't she be able to relax and sleep in on her summer vacation? But alas, a few days later Jen's parents dropped her off at Grandpa Buddy's. Jen walked up the steps to his house and begrudgingly rang the doorbell.

Jen: Hi, Grandpa. I guess I'm here.

Grandpa Buddy: Good morning, Jen. Come on in.

Aunt Carole: Jen followed Grandpa Buddy into the house. Since he usually visited Jen's family at her house, Jen hadn't been in his home for several years and yet everything seemed the same as always. Overstuffed armchairs were comfortably arranged around the living room, and walls were filled with framed photographs of family members and newspaper clippings describing the winning games of Grandpa's favorite baseball team.

A cabinet in the corner displayed even more newspaper clippings along with a collection of baseball cards, trophies, a jersey and hat, and even a few autographed baseballs. Nothing seemed dirty or out of place. Puzzled, Jen turned to Grandpa Buddy.

Jen: What do you need me to do?

Grandpa Buddy: Oh, we don't need to get started right away. Let's chat first. Come to the kitchen. I'll pour some chocolate milk.

Jen: I love chocolate milk.

Grandpa Buddy: Here you go, Ginny Bear.

Jen: Grandpa! Not that old nickname!

Grandpa Buddy: No matter how grown up you get, you'll still always be my little Ginny Bear.

Jen: Okay Grandpa, whatever you say. Let's make a toast.

Grandpa Buddy: All right. What for?

Jen: To my new computer!

Grandpa Buddy: Chocolate milk makes life a little bit sweeter. So I take it the all-important thing you have to earn money for is a computer.

Jen: Yeah, Mom and Dad decided to leave me destitute. They aren't buying it for me so I've got to spend my summer earning money like it's the dark ages or something.

Grandpa Buddy: Well, I don't know about it being the dark ages, but purchasing something you've worked hard to earn is a special feeling, Ginny Bear.

Jen: I guess.

Grandpa Buddy: You know, I saved up for something once.

Jen: You had to save money? I thought stuff back in the olden days was cheap and you could buy whatever you wanted.

Grandpa Buddy: True, things were cheaper when I was a kid, but you also got paid less and my family was very poor.

Jen: Really?

Grandpa Buddy: Yep. We didn't have money for anything extra. Just the necessities.

Jen: Wow. I don't think I could have survived. What did you want to buy?

Grandpa Buddy: You probably don't know this, but when I was younger I played baseball.

Jen: I never would have known. There are only five autographed baseballs in the corner and I think there are more baseball articles hanging on your walls than pictures of you and Grandma.

Grandpa Buddy: Don't forget my baseball-shaped cookie jar. When I was your age, my mama used to say that I'd live, breathe, eat and sleep baseball. And I was pretty good at it too, at least in casual games with the boys in my neighborhood.

I only had a raggedy old glove and a treasured baseball I had gotten for my birthday. I didn't have bases or even a baseball bat, but I did have big dreams. I wanted to play on our school team. So every day after school, once all my chores were done, I could be found in a park tossing around that baseball.

Young Buddy: I really want to play baseball at school, but I've never had a real coach before. I'm probably not good enough to get on the team.

Aunt Carole: Even though I was full of doubts, my mama believed in me.

Buddy's Mom: Buddy, you should try out for the baseball team this year.

Young Buddy: I don't know. I've never been on a real team before.

Buddy's Mom: If you're too scared to give things a try, honey, you'll never know how far you could go in life. Come on, just try out and see what happens.

Aunt Carole: What mama said made sense. So Monday morning when I got to school, I gathered all my courage and signed up for baseball tryouts. They were going to be held before school on Friday, so I didn't have very long to hone my skills, throwing the ball as high in the air as I could and then catching it again.

Young Buddy: Gotcha!

Aunt Carole: All too soon Friday arrived and I joined a group of the other boys eagerly waiting for tryouts to begin.

Guest (Male): Hi there.

Young Buddy: Hello.

Guest (Male): Is this your first time trying out? You weren't on our team last year.

Young Buddy: Oh, yeah. It's my first time.

Guest (Male): Good luck. This will be my third year on the team. It's loads of fun.

Coach: Okay boys, line up!

Aunt Carole: Shaking in my shoes, I got in line with the other boys. After the coach did a roll call, he started running us through drills.

Coach: Partner up with someone else and throw a ball back and forth, taking a step back after each catch. I want to see how far you can throw.

Young Buddy: Ready?

Guest (Male): Yeah. Here you go!

Coach: You're Buddy, right?

Young Buddy: Yes sir.

Coach: Here, take this bat. Terry here will send you a couple of nice easy pitches. You hit them with all you've got, okay?

Young Buddy: Okay.

Terry: Ready?

Aunt Carole: Once tryouts were over, all the boys filed inside for class. It was so hard to concentrate, I barely heard my teachers that day, waiting impatiently for the final bell to ring so I could race to the gym and check the bulletin board to see if I had made the team.

Jen: And? Did you make the team?

Grandpa Buddy: Well, you just have to wait until tomorrow to find out. It's time to get to work, Ginny Bear. My spare bedroom won't clean itself.

Jen: But Grandpa!

Grandpa Buddy: As Mark Twain said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."

Aunt Nikki: What wise words. The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Uncle Jon: Mm-hmm. And speaking of secrets, Aunt Nikki, why is it a bad idea to tell a burrito a secret?

Aunt Nikki: Why is it a bad idea to tell a burrito a secret? Hmm, I don't know, Uncle Jon. You're going to have to tell me.

Uncle Jon: You shouldn't tell a burrito a secret because it might spill the beans.

Aunt Nikki: It might spill the beans! Of course, and we wouldn't want that to happen.

Uncle Jon: No, we wouldn't. You know Aunt Nikki, it just occurred to me that you and I and Your Story Hour are the exact opposite of a secret.

Aunt Nikki: Oh, how so?

Uncle Jon: Well, it's no secret that we love all you boys and girls from the very bottom of our hearts.

Aunt Nikki: True, and it's no secret that we believe listening to stories is the best way to learn about inspiring heroes from the past. And not just that, it's also a fun way to learn about how to be brave, how to tell the truth, how to never give up.

Uncle Jon: Mm-hmm. And it's no secret that Aunt Nikki's and my hearts are overflowing with thankfulness for radio stations that share our stories on the air.

Aunt Nikki: Not to mention how grateful we are for all the wonderful adults who donate money so that we can keep making and sharing stories with kids around the world. Kids like Elon, who wrote in and said, "My birthday was on Friday and I am 11 now. That means I have been listening to Your Story Hour for 11 years. You have reached my soul so much, giving me lessons of faith and guidance." Happy birthday, Elon!

Uncle Jon: We also have a note from Abigail who said, "I'm 14 and a half years old and I listen to your program with my twin sister every night before bed. It's one of the best parts of our day. I especially love the episodes about history. They make learning about the past exciting and meaningful. Thank you for sharing stories that inspire kids like me. You're making a real difference." Oh, thank you Abigail. I'm a twin, too, and we love hearing about you.

Aunt Nikki: So thank you again to all of you who generously give to keep our stories alive. Every gift makes a difference.

Uncle Jon: If you want to join our band of faithful supporters, you can give online at yourstoryhour.org. Just click on Support Us in the menu. Or you can call 800-987-7879 to give a gift over the phone.

Aunt Nikki: Thank you so much. And now it's time to get back to our story called "Buddy's Apple Tree Uniform."

Aunt Carole: Together, Jen and Grandpa Buddy cleaned every surface of the spare bedroom. Working wasn't nearly as bad as Jen had imagined. She went home with a happy heart, looking forward to the next day when she could hear the rest of Grandpa Buddy's story. But a thunderstorm put a wrench in their plans.

Grandpa Buddy's garage flooded, and he and Jen spent several days straightening out the damage. Even though the work wasn't always fun, the company was excellent, and Jen began to look forward to working with Grandpa Buddy. One day she even taught him how to easily download some apps onto his smartphone. Several weeks passed before Grandpa Buddy returned to the story of his early baseball days.

Jen: I'm glad we could have a chocolate milk break today.

Grandpa Buddy: Me too, Ginny Bear. In fact, I was thinking we even have enough time for me to pick up the story I was telling you. Now, where did I leave off?

Jen: You were trying out for baseball, but you never told me, did you make the team? I wanted to find out, but then the muckiest place on earth happened, aka your garage.

Grandpa Buddy: Hey now, my garage isn't that bad.

Jen: Grandpa!

Grandpa Buddy: Okay, maybe it was, but we made it all better. And as a reward, I'll tell you the rest of the story with no more cliffhangers.

Jen: Yes!

Aunt Carole: You know, I was even more anxious than you are to find out how my tryouts had gone. As soon as the final bell rang, I raced to the bulletin board in the gym to look at the postings. And there it was, in the list of boys who'd made the baseball team was my name.

Jen: Way to go, Grandpa Buddy!

Aunt Carole: My mother was so proud of me and I endeavored to be the model baseball player. I never missed a single practice. We met three times a week right after school. I even arrived early to help the coach set out the equipment and stayed late to clean it up and put it away.

As you can imagine, my dedication paid off. My baseball skills were getting better and better. I learned how to bunt with the bat and how to throw a speedball. I was one of the best catchers on the team and was hitting home runs right and left. Everyone on the team was in high spirits as we prepared for the first game of the season.

Coach: Well done, boys. You're looking good on the field. You ready for our first game in a month?

Boys: Yeah!

Coach: Well, we're acting like a team, but remember, we need to look like one too. Each of you needs to buy a uniform at the sporting goods store before the game.

Young Buddy: We need to buy a uniform?

Coach: Yeah, it's no big deal. Just give them the name of our school and your player number, and they'll get a uniform ready for you.

Young Buddy: How much does a uniform cost?

Coach: Well, let's see. Including the jersey, pants, hat and cleats, it should be around $11.

Aunt Carole: $11. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. The school wasn't going to provide uniforms for us, but my family didn't have any money to throw around. There was no way my parents could afford to buy me a baseball uniform. I felt sick to my stomach. Instead of helping with the equipment after practice that day, I went straight home. Mama immediately noticed that something was wrong.

Buddy's Mom: Buddy, are you all right? You've barely touched your supper.

Young Buddy: I'm all right.

Buddy's Dad: You don't sound too sure there, son. Did practice go all right today? I know you're getting ready for the big game.

Young Buddy: I don't know if I'll get to play in the big game.

Buddy's Dad: How come?

Young Buddy: Coach says we've got to buy a uniform and they cost $11.

Buddy's Mom: Oh dear, that's an awful lot of money. Why, it's more than a day's wage.

Young Buddy: Mama, is there any way we can afford it? I can give up eating for a week.

Buddy's Dad: You aren't going to starve yourself, Buddy.

Young Buddy: But...

Buddy's Dad: Last night your mama and I went over the finances and we're in a tight spot right now. There's just no way we could afford anything extra.

Young Buddy: Okay.

Buddy's Dad: I'm sorry, Buddy, but we're barely making ends meet as it is. I know you're not afraid of hard work and that's what you're going to have to do if you want this uniform.

Buddy's Mom: You know, I was just at the grocery store today and saw Mr. Corelli. He mentioned something about needing help.

Young Buddy: I can do that! I'll go see him after school tomorrow.

Mr. Corelli: What can I do for you today?

Young Buddy: I want to talk to you about something important. Man to man.

Mr. Corelli: Well, come around the counter. We'll head to my office and have a chat. My team can handle things for a bit. Have a seat, Buddy. Tell me what's on your mind.

Young Buddy: Well you see, sir, I need to earn money for a baseball uniform. Do you have any odd jobs I can do? I'm a hard worker.

Mr. Corelli: Hmm. Can you come in after school to sweep the floors and do some deliveries?

Young Buddy: Yes sir!

Mr. Corelli: Well then, I'll pay you 25 cents a day for sweeping the floors, and you can keep any tips you're given from making deliveries.

Young Buddy: Thank you, Mr. Corelli! I'll start right now. Uh, sir?

Mr. Corelli: Hmm?

Young Buddy: Where are the brooms?

Mr. Corelli: Over in the closet by the door.

Aunt Carole: I was very excited to be working for my uniform. As soon as school and baseball practice were over, I hurried to the grocery store and worked as hard as I could. However, two weeks before my big game, I realized that I hadn't earned enough money to buy a uniform. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to play with the team. Discouraged, I slowly trudged to the grocery store. By the time I arrived, it was already closed.

Young Buddy: It's just me, Mr. Corelli. I'll start sweeping now.

Mr. Corelli: What's wrong, Buddy? You're not your chipper self today.

Young Buddy: Well, I'm awful thankful for this job, Mr. Corelli, but that baseball uniform is just so expensive. I won't be able to buy it in time. Coach says we've got to have our orders in by Sunday.

Mr. Corelli: Hmm, that's a tough situation, Buddy. You know, I've got another business proposition for you.

Young Buddy: Really?

Mr. Corelli: Yep. You see, I've got a few big old apple trees out at my place, chock-full of apples. I'm too old to be up in those trees picking apples, but if you pick and clean them, Buddy, we can sell them in the store and I'll give you 75% of all profits on the apples.

Young Buddy: Wowza, Mr. Corelli! I'll start picking apples as soon as I'm done sweeping.

Aunt Carole: Over the next two days, I picked apples until the sunset.

Young Buddy: Got it! Only a couple of apples to go. This water sure is dirty now, but the apples are squeaky clean. They'll be the prettiest apples in town.

Aunt Carole: By the time I was done, I picked and cleaned 15 bushels of apples. Mr. Corelli displayed them in barrels at the front of the store.

Guest (Male): I'll take three cans of beans, a pound of sugar and oh... oh my! Look at those gorgeous apples. I'll take two pounds.

Guest (Female): These must be your famous shiny apples. Tilly Swanson has a basket of them on her table, and I just had to come to get some for myself.

Guest (Male): You got any more of them pretty apples, Corelli? My wife's been after me to pick some up before they're sold out.

Mr. Corelli: You betcha. They're selling fast, but we've got a few pounds left.

Aunt Carole: Early Sunday morning, I stopped by Mr. Corelli's store to collect my apple money.

Mr. Corelli: Hi, Buddy. You here for your earnings?

Young Buddy: That's right, Mr. Corelli.

Mr. Corelli: I have them right here.

Young Buddy: I made $7?

Mr. Corelli: Your hard work earned every cent of it.

Young Buddy: This means I can buy the uniform and a new baseball glove too!

Mr. Corelli: Congratulations, Buddy. I'll be rooting for you at the game.

Aunt Carole: I was so proud of my uniform and new baseball glove. On game day, I walked onto the field with the swagger.

Coach: Boys, it's game day! You've worked hard to be here. Now let's get out there and show them your very best.

Guest (Female): Come on, Buddy, you can do it!

Guest (Male): Way to go, son! Slide! Slide!

Guest (Male): Go, Buddy!

Aunt Carole: What a day that was. I got to play in my first official baseball game wearing my spanking new apple tree uniform.

Jen: So, did you win the game?

Grandpa Buddy: We sure did. And that was the best day of my life. Well, that is, until the day I married Grandma. But that baseball game still ranks as one of the best days of my life.

Jen: You sound like you're in love with baseball, Grandpa Buddy.

Grandpa Buddy: In a way, I am. It's been a big part of my life. I coached the local Little League for many years. Grandma came to every game and sometimes even brought chocolate chip cookies for the boys. Oh, and she had quite the throwing arm, too.

Jen: Really?

Grandpa Buddy: I know by the time you were born she was already declining in health, but back in the day, she was quite the lady.

Jen: Aw.

Grandpa Buddy: You know, Ginny Bear, when I was coaching, I made sure the boys learned the value of a hard work, just like you're discovering now.

Jen: You mean this whole story has been one giant lesson?

Grandpa Buddy: All of life is a lesson, Gin. Why, here I am, an old man, and I still learn new things, like that technology mambo jumbo you helped me with the other day. You're pretty clever, you know.

Jen: Grandpa?

Grandpa Buddy: Yes, Ginny Bear?

Jen: I owe you an apology.

Grandpa Buddy: Oh?

Jen: I don't know if you could tell or not, but when I first came to work for you, I had a really bad attitude.

Grandpa Buddy: I know it's been an adjustment for you to start earning things on your own.

Jen: But you've taught me how important hard work is. From now on, I want to be known as Hard-Working Jen.

Grandpa Buddy: Well, Hard-Working Jen, let's get back inside and put you to work. I've got an attic in desperate need of organization.

Jen: Let's do this!

Uncle Jon: You know, Aunt Nikki, I think Jen learned a really important lesson.

Aunt Nikki: That she did, Uncle Jon.

Uncle Jon: I have a question, though. Did she earn the money to buy a new computer?

Aunt Nikki: Yes, she did, but do you know what she liked even more than playing games on her new computer?

Uncle Jon: What's that?

Aunt Nikki: Hanging out with Grandpa Buddy.

Uncle Jon: Good for Jen. We often don't value the people in our lives until it's too late.

Aunt Nikki: Very true.

Uncle Jon: Well Aunt Nikki, I really liked that story. And now I understand how a baseball uniform can come from an apple tree. That one really had me stumped.

Aunt Nikki: Oh Uncle Jon, I see what you did there. Stumped, like a tree stump. You hit it right on the nail, though. I'm always inspired by stories about hard workers. It can be so easy to give in to laziness, to put off washing the dishes or feeding the dog...

Uncle Jon: ...or mowing the lawn or bringing in the mail...

Aunt Nikki: ...or folding the laundry or writing thank you cards. Laziness sneaks up on the best of us. I have a go-to Bible verse for times like these. Colossians chapter 3, verse 23 says, "Whatever you do, do it heartily."

Aunt Nikki: I like that. That means to always do your best.

Uncle Jon: That's right. Boys and girls, Aunt Nikki and I hope that you put your whole heart into whatever chores you have on your plate today.

Aunt Nikki: Mm-hmm. Being in the practice of doing the little things helps prepare us for doing the big things in life. For instance, Marie Curie could not have made her scientific discoveries of polonium and radium if she was not meticulous in detail in doing her experiments.

Uncle Jon: And Glenn Cunningham, Little Bad Legs, could never have competed in the Olympics after his terrible gasoline explosion accident if he hadn't gained strength and agility by steadily and faithfully stretching and exercising until he could walk and then run.

Aunt Nikki: And the Wright brothers succeeded in crafting an airplane because of the time they invested in understanding the mechanics of motion and flight and the hours they spent tinkering in their machine shop.

Uncle Jon: So many of the heroes in our stories made a big difference in the world because they were faithful in the little things, and that's what we want for you.

Aunt Nikki: Uncle Jon and I want you to be healthy and happy because we love you very much.

Uncle Jon: Yes we do, and we're looking forward to sharing another inspiring story with you next time. Until then, remember to be the best that you can be.

Aunt Nikki: Goodbye!

Uncle Jon: Goodbye!