I Can, I Will, We Can, We Will - A Children's Story

I Can, I Will, We Can, We Will

The Moral of the Story:

When you say I can, your courage grows tall. When you say I will, you answer the call. We can means help is close by your side. We will go together, which means you go for the ride. Trying matters more than being the best. Effort and kindness outshine the rest. Words have power in all that you do, and believing in yourself helps dreams come true.

"I can," said Sam, with a hop and a grin.
"I will," said Sue. "Let the trying begin."

"We can," said Tim, with a wiggle and cheer.
"We will," said Tess. "There is nothing to fear."

Can you, said Cat, with a flick of his tail.
"You can," said Duck, "you just cannot fail."

Will you, asked Mouse, with a squeak and a trill.
"I will," said Bear, with a nod and a will.

They came to a hill that was tall and wide.
At the very top was a wonderful slide.

It looked very steep, and it looked very high.
Some wanted to stop, and some wanted to cry.

"I can not," said Fox, with a shake and a sigh.
What if I slip, or what if I try?

"You can," said Frog, with a leap and a cheer.
I will stay with you; I will stay right here.

"We can," said Goose, with a flap and a honk.
We will go slowly, step by step, clonk clonk.

They climbed, and they climbed, not fast and not slow.
Taking their time as they started to go.

"I can," said Bug. "I am small, but I try."
"I will," said Bird, I will give it a fly.

Can we, asked Lamb, with a wobble and sway,
"Yes, we can," said Cow. "We will do it this way."

They reached the top with a cheer and a shout.
They tried something new, and they figured it out.

"I did it," said Fox, with a proud little yell.
I tried, and I tried, and it all went so well.

"We did it," said all, as they slid with a zoom.
With whooshity whee and wigglety vroom.

At the bottom, they sat with a smile so wide,
Happy they tried and enjoyed the ride.

"I can," said Sam, with a sparkle and grin.
"I will," said Sue, I would try it again."

"We can," said the group, "when we help, and we share."
"We will," said their hearts, "because someone will care."

"You can," they said, as they looked right at you.
"You will," they smiled, yes, you truly will too.

The Moral of the Story Poem:

I can is the start of a brave little plan.
"I will" is the promise that follows "I can."
We can means help is never too far.
We will means together you reach for the star.
Try and keep trying, do not ever quit.
Effort and courage make dreams start to fit.
Say it with hope and believe it is true.
Great things can start with words from you.

Discussion Questions:

1.     What happened when the animals said I can and I will?

2.     How did working together help them succeed?

3.     What is something you can say I can and I will about today?

 

From ICE to NICE: Why the Federal Government Should Rebrand Immigration and Customs Enforcement

From ICE to NICE: Why the Federal Government Should Rebrand Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In the world of public trust, names carry significant weight. Acronyms, especially in government, carry weight, identity, and meaning far beyond the words they represent. The Department of Homeland Security’s agency, known as ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has become synonymous with controversy, criticism, and confusion. For many, the very mention of ICE evokes fear rather than trust, division rather than unity.

It is time for a change, not merely in policy, but in presentation, tone, and approach. The federal government should replace ICE with NICE: National Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This simple but profound rebranding would bring clarity to the agency’s role, establish a stronger sense of national unity, and project a more constructive, trustworthy image to both citizens and non-citizens.

1. A Name That Reflects National Responsibility

Adding the word “National” underscores the agency’s federal authority. Currently, the acronym ICE is often misunderstood. Is it purely a border agency? Is it limited to deportations? Is it separate from Customs and Border Protection (CBP)? The confusion is widespread.

By shifting to NICE, the government signals clearly: this is a national-level agency responsible for enforcing immigration and customs laws uniformly across the United States. The rebrand strengthens legitimacy and removes ambiguity.

2. Public Perception Matters

ICE has suffered from years of negative public relations. Whether fairly or unfairly, the acronym itself has become a lightning rod for criticism. “ICE raids” dominate headlines. Families and communities often associate the word with intimidation rather than service.

By reintroducing the agency as NICE, the government not only modernizes the name but also reframes the agency’s role. “National Immigration and Customs Enforcement” suggests professionalism, authority, and duty without the cold, impersonal connotations of “ICE.”

Imagine the difference in public reception:

• “NICE agents are working with local communities.”
• “NICE is providing updated guidance on immigration compliance.”
• “NICE is coordinating with international partners.”

The very language begins to shift from fear to function.

3. Branding Shapes Morale Within the Agency

Names not only affect public perception, but they also affect the people who wear the badge. Thousands of federal employees dedicate their careers to this agency. Yet, many find themselves on the defensive in conversations outside the office because of the ICE label.

A rebranding to NICE gives employees a renewed sense of purpose and pride. They can identify themselves as representatives of a national service rather than a target of public resentment. A positive name translates into stronger morale, better recruitment, and more professional engagement with the public.

4. A Strategic Communication Advantage

In international cooperation, language is everything. Partnering nations respond differently to agencies whose names carry an image of openness and national legitimacy. NICE immediately conveys that this is the United States’ official, national-level body for immigration and customs enforcement, nothing more, nothing less.

This matters in diplomacy. It matters in joint investigations. And it matters in trade and customs compliance, where clear, strong communication builds trust with allies.

5. A Small Change With Big Impact

Critics might argue that a name change alone does not solve underlying challenges in immigration and customs enforcement. That is true. Policies must still be debated, refined, and implemented in a responsible manner.

But words are never “just words.” Rebranding from ICE to NICE costs little compared to the billions invested in border security and immigration systems, yet the benefits ripple far wider. Public trust increases. Communication improves. Agency pride is restored.

Conclusion: Time to Be NICE

For too long, ICE has carried the baggage of its acronym. The agency is essential, its work critical to national security, economic stability, and lawful immigration. Yet its public image undermines its effectiveness.

By adopting NICE, the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement,  the federal government can take a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, clarifying its mission, and projecting a more accurate, professional, and humane identity.

It is time to turn a cold label into a constructive one. It is time to move from ICE to NICE.

Letter to Mrs. Melania Trump, February 1, 2026

Letter to Mrs. Melania Trump, February 1, 2026

Bill Conley

Author and Children’s Storyteller
Jacksonville, Florida
bcunleashed.blogspot.com

February 1, 2026

Mrs. Melania Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mrs. Trump,

I wanted to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation for your dedication to children through the Be Best initiative. Your focus on children’s emotional health, social development, online safety, and overall well-being has been both thoughtful and impactful. In a time when children face increasing pressure, distraction, and confusion, your advocacy for kindness, responsibility, and healthy behavior has provided an important and steady voice on their behalf.

It is because of this work, and the values it represents, that I felt compelled to reach out to you.

My name is Bill Conley. I am a children’s author, storyteller, certified life coach, and a father and grandfather. Much of my work is informed by my experiences mentoring individuals and families, serving within my community, and spending time with children at various stages of development. Throughout my life, I have been deeply committed to teaching values such as kindness, responsibility, respect, empathy, perseverance, and self-worth, not only through words but also through example. Storytelling became the natural extension of that mission, allowing me to reach children and families in a way that is gentle, engaging, and lasting.

I am the creator of bcunleashed.blogspot.com, where I have published nearly six hundred original children’s stories. In the calendar year 2025 alone, I authored and published 522 children’s stories, an accomplishment for which I have submitted an official application to the Guinness Book of World Records for consideration as the most children’s stories written and published by a single author in a single year.

Each story follows a deliberate and consistent format designed to encourage both learning and conversation. Every story includes a clearly stated moral, followed by the story itself, a short poem that reinforces the lesson, and three discussion questions intended to spark meaningful dialogue between children and the adults guiding them. These stories are written for young children, yet they are designed to foster emotional intelligence, confidence, and character that endure well beyond childhood.

The themes woven throughout my work are universal and non-political. They include kindness, honesty, gratitude, respect for others, personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and compassion. My purpose has always been to support children as they grow in a world that can often feel confusing and overwhelming, and to give parents and caregivers practical tools to reinforce values at home, in classrooms, and in communities.

I am including several of my children’s stories with this letter as a small introduction to my work and to my heart as a writer. My hope is simply to place this work before you with humility and respect, trusting that you will recognize its sincerity and its intention to uplift children across all backgrounds and cultures.

Thank you for your time, for your continued dedication to children, and for the example you have set in advocating for their well-being. I am grateful for your consideration.

If you or a member of your team would ever like to reach out, I would welcome the opportunity to connect.

With sincere respect,

Bill Conley
Author and Creator of bcunleashed.blogspot.com
Jacksonville, Florida

Phone: 904-526-9025
Email: coachbillconley@gmail.com

Once Upon a Time in America: Children's Stories Celebrating Holidays, Traditions, and Family: Now Available on Amazon

Now available on Amazon.

Once Upon a Time in America: Children's Stories Celebrating Holidays, Traditions, and Family

Here is the introduction on Amazon.

Once Upon a Time in America
A Year of Meaningful Children’s Stories About Holidays, Values, Faith, and Family
Once Upon a Time in America is a beautifully written children’s story collection designed to guide families through an entire year of holidays, traditions, and life lessons—one meaningful story at a time.
Perfect for read-aloud time, bedtime stories, family devotionals, and classroom reading, this heartwarming book helps children understand not just what we celebrate, but why it matters. Through gentle storytelling and lovable animal characters, children are introduced to values such as kindness, gratitude, courage, faith, respect, service, and love.
This collection of children’s holiday stories walks families month by month through America’s most meaningful days, including:

• New Year’s reflections and goal setting
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day and equality
• Easter and the resurrection of Jesus
• Memorial Day and honoring sacrifice
• Independence Day and the meaning of freedom
• Veterans Day and service
• Thanksgiving gratitude
• Christmas faith, generosity, and family traditions
• New Year’s Eve reflection and hope

Unlike typical holiday books, Once Upon a Time in America goes deeper. These are not just festive stories about decorations and treats. They are values-based children’s stories that explain the heart behind each celebration in a way young children can understand and remember.
Children naturally feel the excitement of holidays. What they often lack is context. Why do fireworks matter? Why do we honor veterans? Why is Easter celebrated? Why is Christmas different from every other day of the year? Storytelling bridges that gap. A well-told story teaches without preaching and explains without overwhelming.
This book is ideal for:

• Parents seeking meaningful children’s books
• Grandparents looking for keepsake story collections
• Christian families wanting faith-based children’s stories
• Teachers and homeschool families
• Families building intentional traditions
• Children ages 3–8 (and beyond for read-aloud)

Each story stands alone, yet together they create a full year of learning, reflection, and joy. Families can read the book straight through from January to December or return to specific stories as holidays approach, making it a book that grows with your child year after year.
You will also discover bonus stories tucked throughout the collection—extra moments of fun, meaning, and celebration that feel like small gifts hidden inside the year.
At its heart, Once Upon a Time in America is about connection:

• Connection to family
• Connection to faith
• Connection to American traditions
• Connection to the values that shape character

This is a book meant to be shared. To be read slowly. To spark conversation. To become part of your family’s rhythm. To be pulled from the shelf every year as traditions return.
Long after the decorations are put away, the lessons remain.
Kindness. Gratitude. Courage. Faith. Love.
Those are the quiet gifts of tradition.

You may click on the link below to purchase your copy of Once Upon A Time In America on Amazon.

https://tinyurl.com/bd63czxf