The Great Pumpkin's big triangle eyes sparkled as he
addressed all the pumpkins.
"Harold was afraid that he was too short and squatty
to be a jack-o-lantern. And, Burnham, you were afraid
you wouldn't be considered to be a jack-o-lantern
because you have a flat spot on your shell. No one said you had to be perfect, just do your best".
His voice carried throughout the pumpkin patch as he
continued. "Burnham and Harold didn't have a test,
but spent the night helping others to pass theirs.
Elmo and Addy and Big Punk told me how you
encouraged them to think of others, to accept themselves
as they are-not as they wish to be, and how to share with others.
You have passed the greatest test of all, worthy pumpkins, and you,
my friends will be very special jack-o-lanterns this Halloween".
As Burnham and Harold turned to face the entire
pumpkin patch two gleaming spots appeared at the top
of their pumpkin shells……
then a noble triangular glow
followed right where a jack-o-lantern's nose should
be
and as everyone watched, a big golden smile appeared
from side to side on both of the pumpkin shells.
Burnham
Harold
Now there was no doubt about it, dewdrops puddled in
their glowing eyes and slid down their jack-o-lantern
faces just as the sun came up.
It was time for everyone to be about their assignments
......and the newest
jack-o-lanterns to prepare for Halloween.
