The Giving Tree.

The Giving Tree is a story about an apple tree and a boy. The story tells how the boy grew up over the years and how the tree constantly gave him whatever he wanted from it, never expecting to get anything in return. The tree is made happy because it is able to give to the boy. The Giving Tree gives everything it has. The story is a lesson in unconditional love and the gift of giving.

The tree wants nothing more than to make the boy happy. When it thinks that it has nothing more to give, it offers him a place to sit and this makes the tree happy. Everyone should try to be like the Giving Tree. Most people are not like this. They only help and give things to others if they know they will get something in return. I try harder and harder every day to be more like the Giving Tree. I have gotten better as years have passed, but I still need to improve. It is hard to help others and make them happy without wanting or expecting something in return.

There are some people who remind me exactly of the Giving Tree. They love to make others happy and will do anything to help them out. God also wants us to become more like the Giving Tree. He says that we should always help out and give without wanting in return. One person I know who is a good example of this, is my sister, Maria

Maria has a disability and cannot walk or talk. She gives me great happiness each day and expects nothing in return. Somehow, she can always tell when I need some attention or cheering up because she will come and sit with me. My sister will do anything to make me happy. This is the true gift of giving. She loves me all the time, no matter what. This is unconditional love. Maria is the Giving Tree in my life.

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"My 16-year-old daughter, Christina, was assigned to write this article by her high school English teacher, Mary Ann Owens," writes Christina's mom, Gloria Mills. The teenager enjoys attending Georgetown High School, in the family's hometown in South Carolina. A well-rounded student, Christina is a member of the volley ball team, a cheerleader and plays the piano.

Gloria explains, "Christina's sister, Maria, is 13 and has Rett syndrome (a degenerative disease characterized by developmental regression or loss of previously acquired skills). Maria is fully included in a regular fourth-grade class at McDonald Elementary school and enjoys therapeutic-horseback riding, video games, music and her computer. As you can see, I have two "Exceptional" daughters.

I have subscribed to your magazine for 12 years. It has been an invaluable resource for me (and others), providing information that empowers me to advocate successfully for my child."