Part 1: The Dream | Part 2: The Meeting
There was a restless, uneasy feeling in the air. Monty the wizard tossed and turned. He was having very disturbing dreams. People were crying. There was so much chaos and fear.
He woke suddenly when he felt hot tears streaming down his face. What pain, what unhappiness I have seen. No this cannot be. It must be a bad dream but why can't I shake this feeling? There is only one way I can be sure.
He sat down, looked into his crystal ball and chanted. Crystal ball of truth show me what I must see. With a wave of his wand the mist cleared and what he saw made him gasp. Oh no, please let it not be true. It was not a dream. It was actual visions of the present and of the future.
He was filled with so much sorrow and dread that he knelt down and cried out. Oh creator of all the universe and of all living creatures, what am I to do? How can I relieve such suffering and strife? Show me the way. Give me a sign. I need to find a common ground between all people. A universal symbol that everyone can identify with. Just then a tear fell from his eyes. He went to wipe it away and noticed his thumb shinning brightly. Was this a sign? If it was, what could it be? What did it mean?
All of a sudden, a memory popped into his mind. He remembered visiting Earth in the past. People often used their thumbs to communicate with each other. When they put their thumbs up - this meant everything was good. Thumbs down, this meant everything was bad.
Monty chanted - World in pain, World in chaos, behold my gift to you. There was a puff of smoke and woe and behold there were four creatures in the image of thumbs standing before him. There were two young Thumb Buddies and two older Thumb Buddies. Monty looked at his creations and wondered what he would name them.
All of a sudden, one of the older Thumb Buddies blurted out oopsy. The wizard started to laugh. That's it, I think I will call you Mr & Mrs Oopsy; he said to the two older Thumb Buddies. Now that just leaves me with the two youngsters. I feel like dancing said the young male Thumb Buddie. My tummy is making all kinds of rumbling noises said the young female Thumb Buddie. Help yourself to a cookie, it will settle your tummy said Monty. Wow this is delicious; she replied. Monty started to laugh. I have the perfect names for you. I will call you Cookie because you love them so much and you are very sweet. As for you young man I will call you Shaker because you like to dance.
The Thumb Buddies stared at Monty. Who are you and also who are we? Where are we? What are we doing here asked the Thumb Buddies? I have created you as a symbol of peace to all people. You will be known as The Thumb Buddies, Ambassadors of Good Will, replied Monty.
Come my children and listen well for there is much to learn. You are to go forward and teach humanity that only through love and understanding will they learn to live in peace. I will empower you with all the wisdom I have learned during the centuries and then I will send you out into the world.
The wizard waved his wand over the Thumb Buddies and planted all his knowledge into their minds. He also gave them a special gift, one of vision. With a touch of their hand you could experience the past, the present or the future. It’s a chance for humanity to change. A chance to make the future one of beauty. To live in a peaceful and loving society. Only through positive attitudes, open minds and hearts can we stand a chance to create a world of peace. A star was placed on each of the Thumb Buddies chests as a beacon of warmth and of hope.
Let your light of peace and love shine for all to see. Go forth and know my thoughts and prayers will be with you. If you need me just call my name and I will be there. Stay on your path and never let evil touch you. Goodbye my children. With these words he chanted - beacons of light, beacons of hope, shine bright, shine bright and with a wave of his wand the Thumb Buddies were gone.
So keep your eyes open, they are on their way. If you ever feel sad and all alone, just remember the Thumb Buddies could be around the corner.
Author: Lorna DeCouto
Billy at the tender age of eight had already surpassed kids twice his age in his studies. His IQ was off the charts. His favourite subject was astrology. He had developed a passion for it when he was about five. He could not get enough of his books and charts of the solar system and its planets and stars. He could escape to a world of wonderment and excitement through his powerful telescope his grandpa had given him.
His grandpa Thomas, was a handsome man. He was tall and strong, with brown hair and a sprinkle of grey at the sides. He had twinkling blue eyes and a smile that made you feel safe and warm. He and his grandpa would often look at the stars and planets together. They had a lot in common and this formed a tight bond between them. Billy thought he looked like his grandpa. The only difference was his hair. It had streaks of gold and his eyes were green, the colour of emeralds. His mother always told him he had his fathers’ eyes. Billy was quite tall for his age with a thin build. He never knew his father, he died when Billy was a baby, but he seen pictures of him. His dad was a tall, good looking man with the same colour eyes and hair as Billy. He was the mirror image of his father. There was one picture that really made Billy sad. It was a picture of the three of them. His dad was holding him smiling while his mother looked up at them with so much love, you could feel it flowing from the photograph. His mom has the most gorgeous golden hair, the colour of sunflowers. Her eyes the most stunning blue with high cheek bones and delicate features. She was tall and slim and carried herself with grace and elegance. When she entered a room every eye would be drawn to her. She was simply beautiful inside and out and it showed. The love they had for each other could not be denied. The proud look of parents in love with each other and their handsome son. They looked so happy. He felt tears stinging his eyes and a deep sense of loss as the memory flooded his mind. Just then he heard his mother calling.
Billy, your grandpa has gone to get the camper, better hurry up. He wants to get a head start so you could beat the traffic. Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush; mom yelled. The sound of his mothers’ voice calling to him brought Billy back to the present. He remembered what day it was. He and his grandpa were going camping and they were taking their telescopes with them. The forecast was for a beautiful clear night and Billy knew the stars would be out. Suddenly the sorrow he felt turned to excitement and he gathered all his stuff together including his toothbrush and was on his way downstairs when his grandpa came through the front door.
Are you ready sport? We have to get going. Want to beat the traffic and set up our telescopes before it gets dark. It’s going to be great, I can’t wait; said grandpa. The excitement in grandpa’s voice was contagious. Billy ran over and gave him a big hug. I’m ready, lets go; said Billy.
Hey, wait a minute young man, don’t I get a hug and kiss; his mom asked. Oh, sorry mom, just got caught up in the excitement; he said. Billy ran over to his mom and gave her a big hug and kiss. Mom I love you, see you soon; said Billy. Have a great time and drive carefully the two of you, love you both; replied his mom. Love you too sweetheart; grandpa said to mom. Grandpa and mom had a very close father and daughter bond. We went to live with him after grandma died. She was a lovely woman, full of warmth. My mom bore a striking resemblance to her and my grandpa loved them both. Thanks mom, see you later; said Billy.
Grandpa and Billy got to the camp ground in record time. There were no other campers around. Grandpa parked the camper in a great spot, right in front of the lake. The view of the sky would be perfect and being near the water made it seem surreal, like there were in a beautiful dream. They got out and set up their telescopes and chairs and then went back inside to have a bite to eat. Mom had packed them all kind of goodies. There was roasted chicken and potatoes, broccoli and tossed salad for dinner and for dessert chocolate cake. What a feast, yum, yum.
Grandpa warmed up their dinner in the microwave and they sat down to eat. We are lucky tonight Billy. The night is so clear, I have this overwhelming feeling that we are going to see something spectacular tonight.; said Grandpa. You know something Grandpa, I have the same feeling. Strange isn’t it. Although I have to say that every adventure with you is amazing. I love you Grandpa, you have always been there for me and mom. I feel like such a lucky boy; said Billy. I feel the same way Billy. I am such a lucky man to have you and your mom in my life. You make my life full. Although your dad and grandma are no longer with us, we still have a piece of them. You know they are always with us and whenever I feel sad I only have to look at you and your mom and the feeling is replaced with joy. You never knew your father but believe me he would have been so very proud of the young man you have become. I know he loved you with all his heart; grandpa said with tears in his eyes. Let us finish our dinner and after we clean up we can go outside and begin our night.
After they finished eating Billy helped Grandpa clear away the dishes and wash up. Let’s go sport, it’s time to enjoy our night. They went outside, sat down in their chairs and looked through their telescopes. The moon was low. It looked like it was sitting on the water and the beam of light that emanated from it was breathtaking. It looked like stars twinkling across the water, right to where Billy and Grandpa sat. The night was surely one for the books. One that Billy and his Grandpa would always remember. The night the Thumb Buddies would arrive. The beginning of a new and beautiful adventure.
Wow, look at that Grandpa. Look at the moon and that amazing beam of light. It makes you feel so good inside. Like anything is possible. I almost feel that I could walk across the water and touch the moon. Isn’t it wonderful; said Billy. I know what you mean Billy. I can feel it too. There is something magical in the air. I have this uncanny feeling that we will never forget tonight, replied Grandpa. Billy and Grandpa looked at each other and smiled. To our magical night; they said.
Wow grandpa the stars are really bright tonight. Look at those four stars grouped together. I have never seen them before. Wow is this night turning out to be one fantastic evening; said Billy. Is that the big dipper; asked Billy. Sure is, it’s absolutely beautiful; grandpa replied. I hope we can see some shooting stars tonight, they are totally awesome; said Billy. It wasn’t long after Billy uttered those words when there was a bright flash of light. Look Grandpa, the stars I showed you earlier. The four stars that were grouped together. Look at them move. They look like they are coming this way; said Billy. Wow, did you see that; asked Billy. The stars looked like they landed just where the moon seemed to touch the water. I wonder what they were. Do you think they were falling stars or meteors. This is so exiting, said Billy.
Billy do you see what I see or are my eyes playing tricks with me? Those stars that landed on the water they are glowing; said Grandpa. They were glowing all right. It was the beginning of a night Billy and Grandpa would never forget. They are moving. Look they are getting larger and they are moving towards us. What should we do? I feel scared. Should we hide inside the trailer; asked Billy. No time, they are moving too fast. Sit close to me and whatever happens don’t move from my side.; said grandpa.
The four lights did indeed seem to get larger as they approached Billy and Grandpa. There was something strange happening inside these lights. They seem to be four distinct shapes emerging. This was turning out to be one bizarre night. The beam of light was in the shape of a star and the four shapes emerging from it were moving straight towards them. Billy was so taken back with awe and to add a little scared that he fell off his chair. One of the figures came towards him and held out its hand. Billy stared back at this apparition and felt a warm safe feeling coming over him. He put his hand out and it pulled him up. It shook his hand and said. Hey dude what’s your name? My name is Shaker. Before Billy could reply another figure approached and said. Is he talking about himself again? Hi, my name is Cookie. Please to meet you Billy. Wow, how did you know my name? We know because we have the gift of insight. One of the many gifts given to us. Hi said Billy, nice to meet you too. This is my grandpa Thomas. Please to meet you Thomas; said Shaker & Cookie. Let us introduce you to our companions. Here they are. I would like to introduce you to Mr. & Mrs. Oopsey. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance; they said. Please do not be frightened, we have journeyed far and have come in peace. It is our mission to help mankind in their time of need.
Who are you? We have never seen anything like you? We are the Thumb Buddies and we are here to help in anyway we can. We have been sent by our creator Monty. He is a very wise and kind wizard. He has seen your world and has sent us as Ambassadors of Good Will. Can you tell us where we are?, asked Mr. Oopsie.
Wow, are they real, am I dreaming Grandpa; asked Billy. No you are not dreaming, they are real; replied Grandpa. We are not scared, we only feel a kind of peace coming from you, and we feel happiness not fear. This was sure enough true for the Thumb Buddies were made of pure goodness, no evil could come near when they were around.
Welcome to Earth. My grandson and I are on a camping trip. We were looking at the stars when we spotted your lights. I still can’t believe my eyes. How wonderful, how beautiful you all are. Come join us at our camper.
Grandpa invited the Thumb Buddies into the camper and asked if he could get them anything. We would much appreciate a drink if you would be so kind; they replied. Grandpa gave them all some orange juice and then sat down next to Billy. In the background the music was playing on the radio. They forgot to turn it off when they went outside. There was a beautiful song playing. Billy looked over at Shaker and almost burst out laughing. There was this little creature dancing and having a wonderful time. Hey, this is cool, what kind of music is this? asked Shaker. Oh no, here we go again. Forever the entertainer. Look at him go. Well we might as well join in. Actually it looks like fun.; said Cookie. Grandpa, Billy and Mr.& Mrs. Oopsey looked at each other and started to laugh. Okay, it looks like fun, let’s show them how to do it; said Grandpa. They all joined in the fun and danced and laughed.
When the song ended they sat down. The Thumb Buddies looked at Billy and his grandpa and said. We will show you why we are here and what we hope to accomplish. We will show you scenes from the past, present and future. We will show you what will happen if mankind continues on this disturbing path. Let us all hold hands. Grandpa and Billy reached over and held hands with the Thumb Buddies. Suddenly the stars on their chests started to shine. It felt like they were being transported in time.
There were scenes of war, poverty, people dying, prejudice, children in danger, so much hatred, and so much fear. What ugliness! Why was there so much negativity in the world? Billy and Grandpa started to weep. Stay strong my friends, all this can be changed. We are here to help. Now look at what the world can be through positive thoughts and deeds. A world of understanding, where jealousy, hatred, prejudice and violence have no place. The scenery changed to a time of peace. You could feel the love and warmth. There was no unhappiness. Just a sense of peace, utopia. People were caring for one another. It was the most beautiful thing they ever saw. What a world that would be! Paradise!
Suddenly the vision cleared and they were back in the camper once again. That was the most beautiful experience we have ever had and we thank you for showing us. If there is anything we can do to help, you can count on us; said Billy and Grandpa. Thank you my friends. Wherever our journey takes us you will be in our thoughts and our hearts; said the Thumb Buddies. Now rest, we will talk and make plans tomorrow.
Goodnight, make yourselves comfortable and we will see you in the morning. Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite; laughed Shaker. You are such a joker; said Cookie. See you tomorrow. Sweet dreams; said Mr. & Mrs. Oopsey.
After Billy and Grandpa went to bed Mr. & Mrs. Oopsey, Cookie and Shaker went outside. They stood in a circle, held hands and chanted. Monty, Monty, our great and wise creator. We have arrived on earth. Tell us what we must do. Show us where we must go, where does our journey begin.
Suddenly the stars on their chest started to shine. The beams of light radiated from their stars came together and Monty the wizard appeared. Hello my children, I have heard your voices and have come to you. Your journey begins with the people you have just met. They are of pure heart and will need your help in time to come. You must be at close hand and when it is time you will intervene in their plight. Show them the way forward. There is a lot of pain in the little boy. The loss of his father, the one man he never got the chance to meet. The pressures in school. He is being pulled in different directions. His Grandfather and his mother have surrounded him with love but in school it is different. He needs to know how to handle different circumstances . Believe me it is getting harder every day. He is a little boy of much goodness but this will be tested. He is one of the many that can bring great change. Change for the good. He is one of many lights that will be an example for mankind.
What would you like us to do? Where should we live?, asked the Thumb Buddies. I have given you many gifts. One of these is the gift of creating your own environment, your own home. What ever you create, it will be safe. Nothing can penetrate your light. It will be invisible to the naked eye and will only be visible to the pure of heart. You will live in a dimension, one between Earth and my world. This will be where you will go back to and regenerate every night. From there you can go anywhere in the world where you are needed. I will come to you every night and you can fill me in on what you have learnt. For now stay close to Billy and his family. We will meet again soon. Goodbye my children and may the light that shine from you protect and guide you.
