The Story of Rudolph
Squirrely
The Story of Rudolph
In the late thirties, Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his
drafty apartment window, into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old
daughter, Barbara, sat in his lap, quietly weeping. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was
dying of cancer. Little Barbara didn't understand why her mommy could never
come home. She looked up into her daddy's eyes and asked, "Why isn't my
Mommy
just like everyone elses' Mommy?"
Bob's jaw tightened. His eyes welled with tears. Barbara's question brought
waves of grief, along with anger. This was the story of Bob's life. Things
had always been different for Bob. Being very small, as a child, Bob
couldn't compete in sports. He was bullied by the other boys, and, often,
called
names he'd rather not remember.
From an early age, Bob was always different; never quite fitting in. He
managed to complete college and marry his loving wife. He was grateful for
his
job as a copywriter, at Montgomery Wards, during the Great Depression. And,
he was very blessed with his beautiful little girl. But, it didn't last.
Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings. Bob and his
daughter were forced to live in a tiny 2 room apartment, in the midst of
the
Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas, in 1938.
Bob struggled to provide hope for his child, though he couldn't even afford
to buy her a Christmas gift. But, if he couldn't buy Barbara a gift, he was
determined to make one for her --- a storybook! Bob created an animal
character in his mind. He told the animal's story to his little girl,
praying to
fill her with comfort and hope. Again, and, again, he told the animal's
story, embellishing slightly, at each telling.
Who was this animal? What was the story about? Bob May's own life provided
inspiration. The story was his own, as he created his autobiography, in
fable form. Bob's story character was an outcast, misfit, much like himself.
His
named his creation Rudolph. Rudolph was a little reindeer, sporting a
rather large and shiny, red nose.
Bob finished the story in time to give his little girl a most wonderful
gift, on Christmas Day. But, Bob's story didn't end there! The general
manager
of Montgomery Wards caught wind of the little storybook. He offered Bob a
nominal fee to purchase rights to print the book. Wards then printed,
Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer, distributing it to the children visiting Santa
Claus, in their stores. By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than
six
million copies of Rudolph!
That same year, a major publisher sought to purchase the rights from Wards,
hoping to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture
of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book
became a bestseller. Many toy and marketing deals followed. Bob May, now
remarried, with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created
to
comfort his grieving daughter.
But, Bob's story didn't end there, either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny
Marks, penned a musical adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned
down
by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by
the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was
released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success! It sold more records than
any
other Christmas song, except
"White Christmas."
The gift of love Bob May created for his daughter, Barbara, so long ago,
returned to bless him, many times over. And, along the way, Bob May learned
the same powerful lesson his dear friend, Rudolph, had: Being different
isn't
so bad. In fact, being different can be a amazing blessing!
x x
before. Thanks for posting this. I was very touching, and has great
lesson value. /Hope you had a blessed christmas. Moe
ANN M
Ann
loujeanb
Rudolph first came out. I will have to show her this story. I think she
would like to read it. Thanks, sj.
--
Navy
Take out the FISH to email me.
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