By Bill Conley
Moral of the Story:
Interrupting others, talking over people, or pushing past without a word can
seem rude and unkind. But when we say “excuse me” or “pardon me,” we show
respect and consideration for those around us. These simple words help us move
through the world with grace, reminding others that we care about their space
and their voice. Learning to say “excuse me” isn’t just polite—it’s a way of
putting kindness into action every day.
Deep in the wide grassy plains of
Savannah Valley lived a young elephant named Ellie. Ellie had big floppy ears,
a swishy tail, and a curious spirit that never stopped exploring.
She loved asking questions.
She loved seeing new things.
And she especially loved talking.
But there was one thing Ellie didn’t
love—waiting.
Whenever someone else was speaking,
Ellie would barge right in.
“LOOK WHAT I FOUND!” she’d trumpet
mid-sentence.
“HEY, I HAVE A QUESTION!” she’d interrupt.
She’d even squeeze past others in a line without a word, knocking her friends
gently aside with her big belly.
The other animals in Savannah Valley
liked Ellie—but sometimes, she made their ears hurt and their feelings too.
One day, Ellie was trotting along the
riverbank and spotted her friend Gerry the Giraffe talking to a group of
younger animals about how leaves grew high on the trees.
Ellie ran right up and boomed,
“GUESS WHAT?! I FOUND A NEW PATH TO THE MOUNTAIN!”
Gerry paused mid-sentence, blinked,
and gave her a soft smile.
“Ellie, that sounds wonderful,” he said gently. “But I was in the middle of
sharing something. You didn’t say ‘excuse me.’”
Ellie’s ears drooped. “Oh… I didn’t
mean to be rude. I just got excited.”
“I know you didn’t mean harm,” Gerry
said. “But saying ‘excuse me’ helps others know you care about their words
too.”
Ellie nodded slowly. “I’ll try next
time.”
Later that day, Ellie went to the
Berry Grove where Bonnie the Bunny was organizing a line for a berry-tasting
contest. Ellie LOVED berries and didn’t want to wait.
She tiptoed (as much as a young
elephant can tiptoe) and tried to cut to the front.
Bonnie turned around. “Ellie, were
you trying to cut in line?”
Ellie wiggled her trunk. “Umm… maybe
just a little?”
“Did you say ‘pardon me’?” Bonnie
asked.
“No,” Ellie admitted.
“Lines help everyone take turns. And
saying ‘pardon me’ lets people know you’re aware of their space. It’s polite,”
Bonnie said kindly.
Ellie sighed. “I guess I forgot
again.”
That night, Ellie lay under the
stars and thought about her day. She hadn’t meant to be rude, but she was
starting to realize that intentions didn’t always match actions.
The next morning, Ellie saw Sammy
the Squirrel dropping nuts while trying to carry too many.
Without pushing past or talking over
anyone, Ellie walked up and said softly, “Excuse me, Sammy. Can I help you?”
Sammy looked up and beamed. “That
would be great, Ellie!”
She helped him gather the nuts, and
together they laughed under the big baobab tree.
Feeling proud, Ellie trotted off
toward the tall grass where Lila the Lioness was giving a storytime session to
a group of cubs. Ellie waited… then gently raised her trunk and said, “Excuse
me, Lila. May I listen too?”
Lila smiled. “Of course, Ellie.
Thank you for asking so politely.”
For the rest of the day, Ellie
practiced her new phrases.
“Excuse me,” she said before
speaking.
“Pardon me,” she said when she needed to pass.
She waited her turn, listened carefully, and used her trunk to wave hello
instead of barging in.
By sunset, everyone in Savannah
Valley had noticed a change. Ellie was still excited, still curious—but now,
she was also thoughtful.
And do you know what happened?
Everyone wanted to talk to
Ellie.
They listened to her more.
They laughed with her more.
And Ellie felt happier than ever.
At bedtime, she snuggled up beside
her mama and whispered, “I like using ‘excuse me.’ It makes the day nicer.”
Her mama kissed her head. “Good
manners make a big heart even bigger.”
Moral Poem to End the Story:
When you need to speak or pass on through,
Say “excuse me”—it’s the kind thing to do.
It shows you care and makes friends stay,
So use your manners every day!
No comments:
Post a Comment