The Starfish

Yesterday, I was told about the story of the Starfish.  I had never heard that story before and of course, had tears streaming my face as I came to the end of this short, sweet story.  And if you have heard this story, I am sure you know where I am going with this...

While Gary was here over the Chinese New Year, one of the things we have to do during the hosting program is to get a vision and dental check.  Our sweet boy had horrible teeth due to malnourishment.  I mean really bad!  Thousands of dollars worth of dental surgery, and repair.  Making our 1 required dental exam into 4 several hour long appointments! (ALL DONATED by the dentist!!)

Because of all the dental work and the dentist needing us to translate (using google translate and ilingo) Jon and I took turns sitting by Gary's side while all the work was being done.  This allowed ample time to chat with the dentist.  Jon, who spent most of the time back there because it got a little gruesome, had some great talks with the dentist about work, what hosting was all about, our little knowledge about where Gary was from in China, mission work Jon is involved in, in Montana, and faith.  Jon learned about Dr.'s mission work for the under privilege children all around the world and the many things he does to help.  At one point in the conversation the dentist looked over at Jon and said, "you know, you can't save them all."  Jon looking at Gary, smiled back and said, "you're right, but we can save this one."  The dentist then gave Jon a big smile and got back to finishing Gary's teeth.

THE STARFISH POEM

Once upon a time there was a wise man

who used to go to the ocean

to do his writing.

He had a habit of walking

on the beach

before he began his work.

One day he was walking along

the shore.

As he looked down the beach,

he saw a human

figure moving like a dancer.

He smiled to himself to think

of someone who would

dance to the day.

So he began to walk faster

to catch up.

As he got closer, he saw

that it was a young man

and the young man wasn't dancing,

but instead he was reaching

down to the shore,

picking up something

and very gently throwing it

into the ocean.

As he got closer he called out,

"Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man paused,

looked up and replied,

"Throwing starfish in the ocean."

"I guess I should have asked,

why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going out.

And if I don't throw them in they'll die."

"But, young man, don't you realize that

there are miles and miles of beach

and starfish all along it.

You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely.

Then bent down, picked up another starfish

and threw it into the sea,

past the breaking waves and said-

"It made a difference for that one."