The Story of Jason and Wisdom, the Wise Owl Who Lived in a Barn

No one had actually seen the owl, so even as a child, Janna had a hard time believing it existed. So she eventually forgot all about that owl in the barn.

But one day after she had grown up, gotten married, and had children of her own, she remembered the tale of the wise owl. Her five-year-old twin girls loved to hear her tell them stories, and she enjoyed doing it. She had told them so many stories that she was wracking her brain trying to think of something different that would enthrall them. That's when the famous owl popped back into her mind. Surprisingly, Janna could clearly remember all the details of that story which her own mother had told her and her four siblings many times.

The twins sat expectantly, waiting with excitement for their mommy to tell them a new story. Here is the tale of the wise barn owl that she told them.

A thousand years ago, a baby owl was born in a barn that was so deep in the forest, it was very hard to find, except by accident. Therefore, the baby owl, named Wisdom by her parents, grew up undisturbed by humans, who were always feared by owls. Wisdom led a happy, idyllic life with her mother and father but one day they grew so old and frail that they flew away to Owl Heaven together.

With her parents gone, Wisdom lived all alone in the little barn and was very lonely. She flew out of the barn every day looking for other owls but never found any. She was so desperate for company that she would have been happy to even see a human.

One day, after many years had passed, Wisdom was shocked to see a young boy standing in the barn. She could barely believe her eyes and blinked many times to make sure what she was seeing was real. She knew for sure he was real when suddenly he said to her, "Hello. My name is Jason. What's yours?"

"Are you speaking to me?" Wisdom said.

"Oh yes, I am," said Jason. "I got lost in the forest, so I was hoping you could help me find my way back home. I would be most grateful."

"Well, my name is Wisdom, and I know many things, Jason. So maybe I can help you get home. How long ago did you leave your home," she asked.

"I'm not sure," he said. "But it was early this morning."

"It just got dark, so that was probably a half a day ago or so," Wisdom said.

"Yes, that sounds about right. I came from that direction," Jason said, pointing behind him to the south.

Wisdom thought about this information for a little while and then said, "Alright, we'll need to get started then. I know it'll be a bit difficult for you as a human boy, but I operate best at night. Don't worry, though. I'll guide you safely through the forest," she told him.

So off they went, traveling south, with Wisdom flying above Jason to scout for any dangers that might be lurking in the forest. Occasionally, she would land on his shoulder, which pleased the boy very much.

On they went, hour after hour, making their way through the forest. At one point a bear appeared, scavenging for food. Jason was frightened, of course, but Wisdom flew near the bear, screeching loudly and showing her fierce-looking claws. The bear was startled by this and quickly ran away.

It was nearly dawn when Jason and Wisdom emerged from the forest into a clearing. In the distance, there was a large house. "That's my house," Jason exclaimed with joy. "I'm almost home."

A half an hour later, Jason was standing in front of his house, knocking on the front door with Wisdom on his shoulder. His mother and father opened the door and wept with happiness and relief to see their little boy safe and sound. They surrounded Jason and gave him a big hug. Wisdom wound up getting hugged as well, something that hadn't happened since her parents went to Owl Heaven. It felt so good.

Jason's father said, "Well, Jason, who's your friend?"

Jason replied, "Father, this is Wisdom. She guided me home from deep in the forest where she lives in a small barn. She's not only wise but very kind."

Jason's mother said, "Wisdom, thank you for taking care of our son. We were so worried. Jason's father went out to look for him but had to return when it got dark."

Wisdom then said, "It was my pleasure to be with Jason during our journey through the forest. We only had one little scare when a hungry bear showed up but I was able to chase him away."

"Thank you so much, Wisdom," Jason said. "I would never have been able to come back home safely without your help. Hopefully, I can return the favor someday."

"You're very welcome, Jason," Wisdom said. "I was glad to help. The only thing I ask in return is for you to be my friend and let me visit you here at your home once in a while."

Jason replied, "Oh, I would love that, Wisdom. And we'll be friends forever, I promise you. Please visit anytime you like."

"Okay, then. Time for me to go. I'll see you again soon. Take good care of yourself and your parents," said Wisdom.

And with that, Wisdom flew off Jason's shoulder and headed back to her little barn deep in the woods, happy to have made a new friend.

Jason felt the same way.

The End

__________________

Thanks for reading. Copyright Terry Mansfield. All rights reserved.