Chapter 4... Three Plus One More is Four
Graeme MURRAY
On a sunny Spring day in April, Graeme was cruising the shores of Gull Lake. The warming sun rippled over the waves. Graeme picked up sticks and turned over stones looking for critters and crawlers. A branch cracked behind him and Graeme turned with a start. Standing in a spotlight of sun was a tall goose. The goose stood still with dark sunglasses covering his eyes. The goose extended his wings and said to Graeme "Hey kid, you want to finish my can of Coke?"
Graeme was silent for a moment before asking the animal's name. "Gerry" answered the goose. "I found this pop over there, but I don't want it any more", he said. Graeme declined the offer and asked Gerry why he had not seen him around before.
Gerry looked out over the water, "I'm a free spirit. I go where my compass leads", he said. "I like it here, but I don't want to stay here. There is lots of world out there, you know?"
Graeme nodded not really knowing what Gerry was talking about. "I like it here too. I have family here and I go to school here. I also have friends here", he said. "What more is there?", Graeme asked. Gerry smirked. "There are more answers in this world than questions, kid", said the goose. "Enjoy yourself and what you have".
Finished with the conversation, Gerry kicked the half empty can into a nearby garbage can, spread his wings and took off into the air. Gerry circled up into the sky before gliding down towards a nearby beach where he landed and stood with two feet in the water.
Graeme thought Gerry was an odd character. Gerry knew what he wanted and went after it. For days Graeme would recall the conversation and try to picture the places Gerry would fly off to. Eventually, Graeme stopped thinking about Gerry, but the lesson stayed. If Graeme wanted something he had to set a plan for it. From this conversation that occurred on a sunny April morning, Graeme learned to set goals and work for them. Gerry, a free spirit with no calling or direction provided Graeme with the structure that would guide him to success later on.