The Mousetrap!

Some time ago I read the following story. I don’t know where I read it or who wrote it. I have taken a few liberties with it but to the best of my recollection it goes something like this.

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There was a mouse who lived in the walls of a farmhouse with a farmer and his wife. One day he saw the farmer carrying a grocery bag from his car into his house. For whatever reason this little mouse was curious and wanted to see what the the farmer was bringing into the kitchen. He hoped that there would be some cheese or some other treat that he could help himself to. So very carefully he stuck his head out of his hole in the wall to peek at the farmer emptying his bag of groceries. The little mouse was afraid when he saw the farmer take out a mouse trap. 

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He was so afraid that he ran to the farmyard to warn all the other animals in the hopes that someone could offer some comfort or help. He was panicky as he ran around shouting. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mouse trap in the house! What should I do? What should I do?" 

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The chicken was frustrated because she had to interrupt her scratching for food and respond, "Mr. Mouse, I understand your fear, but it does not impact me. I am sorry!” And she went back to search for food.

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Frustrated, the mouse ran to the pig for help. The pig claimed that he understood his fear and dilemma and he tried consoling him, "I wish there was something I could do for you, but I will keep you in my prayers.” 

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He visited his friend the cow next and explained the situation and how afraid he was and that he really needed her help. She also offered heartfelt sympathy before responding, "Wow that is scary, and I really feel for you, and I hope things work out but, my little friend, there isn’t anything I can do.” Discouraged, the little mouse returned home, to face the mousetrap alone. 

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It just so happened that later that very night as the mouse was lying in his bed, trying hard to fall asleep he heard the mousetrap snap. Startled, the noise of the trap awakened him and then he heard the farmer's wife jump out of bed and rush to see what they had caught. She didn’t flip on the light as she ran to check on the trap and so she did not see the venomous snake caught by its tail in the trap. 

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She picked up the trap expecting to find the little mouse that was living in their house and to her surprise the snake bit her with his poisonous venom. She screamed, which awakened her concerned husband who jumped up out of bed, rushed to her aid, picked her up, carried her to their truck, and rushed her to the hospital where she was treated and sent home. The next morning, she developed a very high fever.

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I’m pretty sure that most people know that the best thing for a fever is chicken soup, so the farmer picked up his axe and went to the chicken coop for the main ingredient. 

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Unfortunately, the woman’s condition didn’t improve so her friends and neighbors wanted to be helpful and provide around the clock comfort. The farmer wanted to be a good host and show his appreciation to those who came to help so he butchered the pig to feed them. 

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The farmer’s wife deteriorated and a few days later she died. She was a beloved member of the community and had many friends and relatives attend her funeral and afterward they all came over to her home for lunch. The farmer had no choice but to slaughter the cow so he could feed them. 

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Because the animals were selfish, lacked compassion, and were unwilling to help, all hell broke loose. Traveling through life we all need each other.

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Let’s help our children be more sensitive to others and encourage them to be of service!



Happy Failing Forward,


Calvert Cazier