A Read-Aloud Story by an Award-Winning Author


Today, instead of featuring a suggested activity for your children, I am featuring a read-aloud story for them written by my friend, the award-winning author Dr. Joem Antonio.

Joem has won several Palanca awards for his plays and short stories for both adults and children.  He also conducts writing workshops for aspiring writers of all ages. If you are interested in letting him conduct an online workshop for you and your children, you may contact the Storywriting School at its website. 

The story Joem tells is a heartwarming one which does not shy away from depicting harsh realities of life but views them from from children's innocent and sincere eyes. You will enjoy telling it to your children as I have enjoyed reading it.  Unfortunately there are no illustrations yet, but the absence of illustrations does not take away its charm.

Without further ado:

PAPER HUGS

by

Joem Antonio
"Big Hug Race!"

Ada raced Macky towards Mama as she entered the door.

"STAY AWAY!"

Ada and Macky froze. Mama was never like that before.

Papa pulled the children aside as Mama ran to the shower. Ada thought she saw Mama tearing up.

While Mama showered, Papa talked to Ada and Macky.

"You know how Mama works in a hospital to help sick people. A virus is there right now that quickly spreads from one person to another. Mama is afraid she might infect you."

"Does Mama have the virus?" Ada asked.

"We will know in a few weeks. For now, Mama must stay in the bedroom alone."

"Mama must be so sad," Ada said to Macky. "We should make Mama happy."

Ada drew Mama in the hospital helping sick people.

Macky drew Mama fighting viruses.

They drew themselves and Papa hugging Mama. They also wrote, MAMA WE LOVE YOU.

"There's another thing to make Mama happy," Papa said. "A clean house."

So Papa, Ada and Macky cleaned the house.

Macky swept the floor.

Ada folded clothes.

Papa cleaned everything else.

And every day, Papa, Ada, and Macky video called Mama, showing her their drawings and the clean house.

When the weeks finally passed, Mama was allowed to step out of the room.

"Is the virus gone?" asked Ada.

"Thank God it seems I didn't get it yet," said Mama.

"Will you be going back to the hospital?" Macky asked.

"I'm afraid so," Mama answered. "There are still so many people who need my help right now."

Macky ran to Mama to hug her. Mama stopped him. Instead, Mama showed a drawing of her hugging them back. It would be their last hug for a while once Mama went back to work. But, for now, they'll make that hug last.

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