The Grass is Greener on Your Side
Sammy lived in a small house with his parent and three younger brothers. Ever since his grandfather moved in, Sammy had to share his bedroom with his little brothers.
Max lived in a mansion with his parents and live-in Susan. Max's parents worked hard and travelled often for business, leaving Max in the care of Susan. Whenever they returned from a trip the made sure to buy a gift for Max. Max owned a collection of toys and gadgets that any other 8 year old could only dream of.
Weekends.. How Max dreaded them. There was nothing to do! Sure he had enough toys to fill a toy store by now. But it was no fun to sit and play by himself. His parents were often away for work and this week was no exception. 'Let me call my friend Sammy and see if he can come over," he thought. He and Sammy always had a good time together.
"Hi Sam, it's Max," "Hi Max! How ya doin'?" "Great, do you want to come over and hang out?" Max asked. Max could hear Sammy's brothers laughing and playing in the background. "Shhh guys, I can't hear Max!" "Max, Max!" the younger boys chanted. "We want Max to come over!" "Be quiet!" Sammy hissed. "Hold on let me ask my mom." A minute later Sammy returned, "She said sure, I'll be over in about 20 minutes. See you!" "See you soon!" Sammy rushed his mom out of the house as fast as he could He was excited at the idea of a whole afternoon of fun, with no little brothers bugging him to play with them, read to them or give them a turn with his stuff.
"Bye Mom," Sammy shouted. "By dear, Grandpa will be back at 5 for you," "'Kay!"
Max was waiting by the front door. "Hey Sam! What's up? What do ya want to do?" Although Max had every reason to brag about all of his toys, he never showed off. Max was a remarkably sensitive young boy. He knew Sammy hardly had any of the same toys as he did, and did not want to make his friend feel bad about that. "How 'bout the new video game we played last time?" Sammy suggested. In no time the boys were lost in the world of race cars. Sammy noticed that although Max had won the game he didn't seem very happy. He wondered what could be troubling his friend. "What could be bothering Max?" Sam wondered. "His life seems so perfect in this beautiful palace!" "How bout a snack, Sam? Susan has waffles and cocoa waiting for us," Max said with a small grin. "Sounds awesome!" Sam replied. Sammy couldn't remember that last time his mother had made waffles for snack! And how nice was it to play a video game in peace, with out any little brothers playing tug a war and yelling in his ear!
The boys thanked Susan and ate in companiable silence. When he had finished the last crumbs of his waffle, Sammy turned to Max and said, " It's so nice and quiet here Max! I can actually hear myself think!" "Yeah, a little too quiet," Max said in a sad, slow tone. Sammy looked up to look Max in the eye, a little surprised.
"You're so lucky Sam! Your house is so full of happy, funny little brothers. And you've got your grandfather too! He tells the best stories and always helps you with your homework. When I was at your house last week, I had such a good time, I didn't want to leave." Sam's eyebrows shot up in surprise! Last week when Max had come over, Sammy had been so embarrassed of his grandfather, who came over with his cane and sat down and asked what the two boys were studying and asked the same question only two minutes later.. He then launched into a ten minute story.. And of course the whole time his younger brothers were running back and forth, showing their most prized possesions to Max. Max could think of only one word to describe his houe that afternoon: CHAOS!
But now as he looked around at the beautiful gleaming kitchen, and the enormous recliners and flat screen TV, Sam could hear the quiet TV, the empty sofas and lonely boy who so enjoyed Sam's company and family. Sam suddenly realized how very lucky he was to have his large, loving, and boisterous close-knit family. He always had adoring younger brothers to play with, a calm and caring grandfather to talk to and parents who came home every night at 5:30 sharp.
"Max," Sam said, "I'm really glad you like coming over. My brothers were crying for you to come back that night. For a full hour!" But anyway, I would be so happy for you to come, in the afternoons after school, and the weekends, as much as you'd like!" "I would really like that Sam," "Your family has something that no toy or gadget could make up for." "I know Max, now I know. Thank you for helping me see that." The two friends high fived each other and went outside when they heard Sam's grandpa honking his horn.