
Rachel's Wobbly Tower Triumph
Rachel loved visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house. It always smelled like warm ANZAC biscuits and Grandma's blooming rose garden. Rachel, who loved helping everyone, would often water the colourful flowers in the garden, making sure each petal drank its fill.
Today, Grandpa was indoors, patiently trying to build a super tall, wobbly tower out of old wooden blocks. He looked a bit puzzled. Rachel’s eyes lit up. 'Can I help, Grandpa?' she asked, eager to join in.
Grandpa chuckled. 'It’s a bit tricky, little helper, but yes, you can always try! This tower is proving to be a real challenge!' He handed her a smooth, wooden block. Rachel carefully tried to place it on top, but CLUNK! It tumbled down, scattering blocks across the rug.
Rachel tried again, her brow furrowed in concentration. She held her breath and placed another block ever so gently. CLUNK! Down it went again. 'Oh, dear,' she sighed, a little bit of frustration bubbling up inside. 'It just keeps wobbling!'
Grandpa sat beside her. 'Sometimes, the trick isn’t to be strong, sweetie, but to be soft, like how you water the tiny seedlings. You’re always so gentle with them.' Rachel looked at the blocks, then remembered the delicate petals in the garden.
Rachel took a deep, thoughtful breath. She picked up a block and remembered the feeling of water softly touching a tiny leaf. She didn't push. She didn't force. She just found the perfect, gentle spot and placed it. Click-clack! It stayed! Then another, with a soft Click-clack! The tower grew, steady and tall!
‘Look, Grandpa! I did it! I built the wobbly tower!’ Rachel beamed, her chest swelling with a wonderful, proud feeling. The tower stood, a magnificent monument to her patience. Grandpa clapped, a big, proud smile on his face.
Rachel felt so proud she wanted to shout it from the rooftops! But then she looked at Grandpa, whose eyes sparkled with shared joy. It felt even better to share her happy moment. She realised that working hard and being proud was wonderful, but sharing that joy, and remembering the help she got along the way, made it truly special. Helping others, and letting others help her, was the best feeling of all.