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Wishful Thinking

Album: Gold Audio 09: Just in Time

Episode: 126

Lesson/Theme: Dealing with a pesky sibling.

Bible Verse: Genesis 4; 37:18-35; 1 John 2:10-11

Characters: Donna, George, Jimmy, Lucy, Mary

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: September 1, 1990

Last Air Date: June 25, 2008

Description:
Donna Barclay has had it with her little brother. Jimmy is becoming more annoying with each passing day. Every morning, he wakes her up by bouncing on her bed and telling her a corny riddle. He's always either telling dumb jokes, teasing Donna, getting her into trouble, or taking all her stuff. According to Donna, Jimmy's nothing but a big pain. Donna confesses to both her mother and Lucy that she wishes Jimmy had never been born. Mom then reminds Donna of what her great-grandmother always said: "Never make wishes-they might come true." But that would be okay with Donna. She goes to bed that night feeling her life would be better if she were an only child. When she awakens the next morning, Donna realizes her wish has come true. Not only is Jimmy gone, but no one has ever even heard of him. At first, Donna thinks it's great. Then the reality of the situation hits her. She has to do extra chores, and her folks take great pains not to spoil her like she thought they would. But worst of all, she finds she truly misses Jimmy. Donna misses Jimmy's loudness and the way he tells dumb jokes. She even misses Jimmy's annoying habits and the way he chases her around in the rain. She's lonely, and she wishes that Jimmy would come back. Then Donna awakens, realizing it was all a dream. Jimmy is standing right in front of her! Donna is ecstatic and immediately apologizes to Jimmy for being so mean to him. A bewildered Jimmy accepts her apology, and they both get back to the business of being brother and sister again.

Questions:
How could Donna have best handled her frustrations with Jimmy? If you have a brother or sister, what do you think life would be like without them? If you are an only child, do you ever wish for a sibling? Why or why not? Name five ways you can show your brother or sister that you love them.