Chapter 1: White Pines

Down a paved road lives a family of porcupines: Mommy, Daddy Elizabeth, Rachel, and Johnny. They live in a mobile home in the small, friendly town of White Pines in Porcupine County. On a lovely fall day, the little porcupines, also known as porcupettes, played in the yard.

John and  Elizabeth knew God loved them in many ways. Like Saint Francis, who saw God's love in the Sun and moon as the Saints who helped lead us to God.  God's love can be seen in this stillness of nature and the love of a family. 

They could feel Jesus’ loved in the birds' flight and the lovely bees' buzz. John and Elizabeth wondered if God loved everyone just like he loved them. 

Johnny and Elizabeth knew that God loved them. They knew Jesus from the prayers at dinner, the prayers before bed, and the prayers they said at Mass every Sunday.

They knew it because the priest at Mass preached that Jesus died on the cross out of love. Mommy and Daddy told them that Jesus loves them, and the Bible told them to.

Mommy Porcupine and Daddy Porcupine were having a barbecue in the yard, and Johnny's best friend's family was joining them. Elizabeth, John, and Rachel were at the front porch waiting for the Baker family to arrive. 

When the Baker family walked over, they had a surprise for the Campbell family. There were three porcupettes: Billy Johnny's best friend Sandy, Elizabeth's friend; and Robert. 

Mrs. Baker introduced her nephew Robert and explained that he was visiting for the summer. Mommy Porcupine gladly said welcome and have fun. Robert smiled but didn't reply. Mrs Baker told Robert to say hello. slowly Robert looked up and was silent, but shyly he said hello and gave a big smile.

Mrs. Baker told Robert, “That was good, go play with the porcupettes”. Robert ran towards Billy and John, where a soccer game was starting.

Mrs. Baker talked to Mommy Porcupine, about Robert " he is younger for his age yet very happy and kind. He's the same age as John and Billy but he acts much younger like Rachel”.

Mommy Porcupine understood by saying “Robert seems like a very sweet porcupette. We are glad to have him join us. Praise God we always have plenty of food to share. " 

In the backyard, the porcupeete were playing soccer three on three, but Robert and Rachel seemed distracted by the beauty of nature.

Robert did not have much interest in playing soccer, but he tried his best. Elizabeth asked Billy why Robert played differently. Billy said "Robert just has a different way of doing things". 

As the game continues, Rachel and Robert chase the butterflies and dragonflies. John and Elizabeth stopped, but Billy and Sandy are willing to keep playing so the game went on with two on two. 

Daddy Porcupine shouted “Come help set up for lunch." The porcupette smelled the burgers on the grill and came to help set the table and fill all the drinks.

While Elizabeth was helping to set the table, she wondered about Robert. Mommy said "Robert is not the same as us, he does not act like our other friends. why is that?” 

Mommy porcupine said "God made each of us different from each other. We all grow up and develop in different ways." Elizabeth then ask "Why is Robert different?”

“Because Elizabeth,” Mommy Porcupine said, "God made all of us special. Jesus loves us and died to save all of us. He made Robert special and his own way. God has a plan for all of us, like he did for Jesus. God loves you and me and Robert the same, and loves us very much."

The Bakers and the Campbell family's started to gather at the table in the backyard. Mommy Porcupine said grace after making the sign of the cross. “Bless us O Lord for these thy gifts we are about to receive through thy bounty through Christ Our Lord.”Amen they all said. They started to enjoy the meal together as friends and family.

Thank you for joining our backyard barbecue. Remember that Jesus loves you, too.