Short is short and Tall is Tall You are what you are That is All!

A friend cannot be owned That is plain to see Friendships must be shared, Just like our friend, Ruby.

As you walk, hop, hobble, or wheel Meeting people of different kinds, Remember that being handicapped Is only a state of mind.

As you walk through forests or the meadows of your mind, Stop and talk to those you fear Good friendships you may find.

So when you’re cold From the inside out And don’t know what to do, Remember love and friendship, And warmth will come to you.

You may see all that is around you But you may feel nothing at all. So try and close your eyes so tight And listen to the night time fall.

When you’re feeling lonely and no one is around Remember to look inside yourself and a best friend will be found.

Never judge someone By the way he looks Or a book by the way it’s covered; For inside those tattered pages, There’s a lot to be discovered.

The skill, the art of literacy is a gift. To read is to watch in your mind as a single word explodes into a confetti of images. Truly, of all the gifts given to man, reading is most sacred, For from words come dreams and from dreams come great tomorrows.

Dedicated to all the children and not-so children that live and play in the shadow of the Space Needle that stands in the heart of Seattle, Washington. It is where my heart will always be. Most special of all, this book is dedicated to my granddaughter Lauren. May she live in the shadow of the Space Needle forever and a day. -Stephen/Dad