One day, there was a donkey pottering along a beach. There had just been a storm, and starfish had been scattered along the sands. The donkey knew the starfish would die, so she began to fling the starfish to the sea. But every time she threw a starfish, another would wash ashore.
An old Earth man happened along and saw what the donkey was doing.
He called out, “Donkey, what are you doing?”
“Saving the starfish!” replied the donkey.
“But your attempts are useless, donkey! Every time you save one, another one returns! You can’t save them all, so why bother trying? What difference does it make?” called the old man.
The donkey thought about this for a while, a starfish in her little hoof; she answered, “Well, it makes a difference to this one.” And then she flung the starfish into the welcoming sea.
― The Star Thrower (with some mini adjustments by Dizzy 🙂 )
Love this x
🙂 xxx
🌟🌟🌟thats the closest emoji I could find for star fish saved!
That’s pretty close! And they look very happy star (fish) too! 🙂 xxx
I’ve always loved this story Heather, and your “Dizzy” adjustments made it even better!
Dizzy thought so. She said the only thing missing from the story was a donkey. 🙂 xxx
This is why I rescue animals, and try to be compassionate with everyone.
It’s true. And just being able to help one animal makes the world of difference to them. 🙂 xxx
Yes, everyone of us, Donkeys and humans alike, can make a difference – especially when focused on the one thing that is within our reach to do and do it!
peace
It’s so true Laura. Just doing what we can makes a huge difference. 🙂 xxx
I knew Dizzy had a heart before I even read this story. 🙂
Little Dizzy does. 🙂 Just as long as no one’s getting in the way of her ginger nut biscuits, she is really a very caring donkey. 🙂 xxx
You and I feel that way about chocolate chip cookies Heather. 🙂
I love this story Heather. If only everyone did a little bit for wildlife, what an impact that would make… xx
I completely agree with you. Sometimes it can feel as though we can only do so much, but if everyone did a little, it would be so amazing. 🙂 And the little bit we can do, does make such a difference to those animals. 🙂 xxx
If you can save a few, You SAVE them! That’s your contribution to the greater good. Every donkey should do what they can each day!
I agree. 🙂 And so does Dizzy. 🙂 xxx
A beautiful donkey-esque tale. It makes a difference, even when it feels hopeless. Each little starfish counts and each effort is important. Very sweet 🙂
xx
I love that comment, because every little starfish really does count. 🙂 Thank you Caz. xxx
So beautiful 😍
🙂 xxx
I absolutely LOVE this story! My father told it to me when I was a kid and I remember him saying “I made a difference for that one.” such a profound impact that story had on my life. Thank you for sharing it and thank you for the beautiful memory!
Me too. I remember the first time I read it, it had such a huge impact on me. And just reminds you that even the smallest acts of kindness make the world of difference. xxx
🙂 may your day bring you smiles 🙂
Aye! However small, it does really matter! 🙂 Cheers!
I completely agree. 🙂 xxx