Papa's Parrot

Imagine if your father owned a candy store, would you be happy or embarrassed? If my parent was overweight and owned a candy store I would not want people to know that that was my mom or dad. The short story, Papa's Parrot, by Cynthia Rylant is a good story to read about. Harry, the son started to stop visiting the family’s candy store because he was getting older and wanted hamburgers instead of candy. Although you might think that your parents embarrass you, you should always be thankful for what you have.

Many teenagers are really picky about what their parents can and can't do. Harry would always love to come to the candy store after school with his friends, but eventually he got older and decided that there were many more things to do than go to a candy store. It would be heartbreaking if I found out that my parents bought a parrot instead of having me there with them. If I were Harry I would try to spend more time with my mother and father. A lot of teenagers aren’t thankful for what they have until it is gone. Many kids in middle school need to think about all of the other people that don’t have as much as they do. People should be more considerate about what they have when they have it.

Do you remember a time this year when you thought that your parents were embarrassing you? After reading this story I have changed my understanding of “embarrassing”. You may not want your parents to go out in public, but parents were teenagers once in their life, so they know what it is like. They also only want what is best for their kids. After Harry’s dad had a heart attack, reading about Harry, you could tell that he felt jealous after he found out that the bird replaced him. Harry was upset that his dad was talking to the bird because he missed his son. Harry heard what his dad had taught the bird to say which was disappointing because it made him feel badly for not spending time with his dad. After hearing the parrot speak, Harry felt terrible that his father felt disappointed. Harry learned his lesson about how is dad felt about missing his relationship with his son.

In conclusion, be thankful for what you have and don’t be embarrassed by our parents. Thanksgiving is not the only day for being thankful; everyday you should be thankful for something you have.