or whatever the judge decides, I will remain special to each of them. There was no changing the fact
that Karen was her mother’s daughter andher father’s daughter. She was a special person, loved and
capable of loving no matter where she lived. Sometimes she might forget it and, in those times, she’d
find it helpful to remind herself: They might not agree, but they do love me.Ye s, she could be loved and
valued, and somehow it felt good to remind herself of that.
STORY 33
MAKING AND MAINTAINING FRIENDSHIPSTherapeutic Characteristics
Problems Addressed
■ Seeing the differences in others
■ Letting mistakes affect relationshipsResources Developed
■ Forgiving others’ mistakes
■ Being compassionate toward others
■ Helping a friend in need
■ Seeing the benefits rather than the differencesOutcomes Offered
■ Forgiveness
■ Acts of kindness
■ Friendships that accept the differences
The lion, king of the beasts, was dozing under a shady tree, on a hillside that looked out over his
kingdom. It so happened that a little mouse, scampering around looking for food, stumbled into one
of the lion’s paws. The king of beasts awakened. “What are you doing disturbing my siesta?” he
roared.
The little mouse squealed in fear and said, “I am sorry, your Majesty. I wasn’t looking where I
was going. I didn’t mean to disturb you. Please don’t eat me.”
“Lucky for you,” said the lion, “I have just had a big meal and feel satisfied—but why shouldn’t
I crush you for disturbing my sleep?”
“Please,” the mouse pleaded, “let me go. If you do a good turn for me, then maybe one day I
can do a good turn for you.”
The lion roared in laughter at the thought that the humble little mouse could ever help the king
of beasts but, as he wasn’t hungry and the mouse had given him a good laugh, he decided to let it go.
Weeks and weeks later the lion was out stalking prey when he, too, stumbled—right into a
hunter’s trap. A net fell, totally entrapping him. He struggled to break free but the more he did, the
more entangled he became. He roared in pain and fear.
106 Healing Stories, Teaching Stories