Manny Messes up Marathon?

Welcome back!

Today, the Reindeer take on the second leg of the four-day, Around-the-World Marathon. Yesterday, the deer raced out of the North Pole and made their way through all of Canada and the 50 states in the USA. The final stop for the deer was Passaic, N.J. The reindeer will now make their way according to the plan laid out by Manny Elf, head of Reindeer Games Design and Construction. Let’s check in with Rudolph to see what the plan is for today.

“Uh, well, I’ve just spoken to Manny, and he can’t find the plan for today!” says Rudolph. “Oh my, that’s not good! We can’t have the Marathon if the reindeer don’t have a guide and don’t know where to go. On top of that, they are in Passaic, N.J.! Imagine the reindeer stuck in Passaic, N.J. That can’t be too exciting.” Well, that’s not good news at all. Without a plan, the reindeer won’t know where to fly. And there will be no Marathon. That might be the end of the Reindeer Games for this year. If so, the reindeer may not be ready to fly on Christmas Eve!

The Official Elves are grilling Manny right now about the missing plan. “Manny, thanks to you, the reindeer will be stuck in Passaic. And the Marathon will be cancelled!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” says Manny. “I made a mistake. I didn’t do it on purpose.” “Who cares!” screamed Mendy. “You’ve ruined the Games. This is a disaster!” At this point, Rudolph stepped in to talk with both Manny and Mendy and all the Official Elves. They had a long talk and slowly calmed down. “I don’t think yelling at Manny will do anything positive,” says Rudolph. “Mendy, I think you should forgive Manny for his mistake, and let’s see if we can work out a solution.” “But he’s ruined everything,” replied Mendy. “Forgiveness can be powerful,” says Rudolph. “I ask you to try.” “No.” “Well, we need to find a way to get the reindeer on their way, and we need Manny’s help,” says Rudolph. “If you forgive him, maybe he will calm down and help us find another plan.” “Ok, I suppose you’re right, Rudolph,” Mendy said. “Christmas is too important. Manny, I’m sorry I yelled. Everyone makes mistakes.” “And I forgive you, Mendy, for yelling at me,” says Manny.

At that point, all sat down and worked out a plan for the second day of the Marathon. The deer were to take off from New Jersey, make their way through the Caribbean, past the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and all the many islands there. Then they headed to Central and South America on a very difficult second day. The Marathon was saved. Forgiveness can be powerful. Forgiveness has surely helped the Reindeer Games.

Check back tomorrow for the third day of the Marathon.