F Hollis Jr

The Grey Garland Legacy F Hollis Jr

In days before airplanes, towers and wireless signals, when skies were just skies and no one was in much of a hurry, little Batty Bat flew from his home in Blue Cave with his brothers for snappings - bites of bugs. Being the youngest of fifteen and still learning to fly, Batty fell behind. Alone and beginning to worry he suddenly found company with Louie, another young bat flying alone who crashed into him from behind. Sometimes, best friends are found that way. Batty and Louie then flew together for snappings, but instead were swept away into a world of white bees, kind beavers, slimy snakes with a sneaky kingdom, dangerous hawks, and a valley of shadows facing a terrible event. As they went, Batty was inspired with Louie's courage and ability to make friends that were not bats, and a world of possibilities from friends working together. Louie's father, the Grey Garland, was a legendary guardian of the Creation and keeper of its balances. He was a bat raised by an eagle, raised by hummingbirds. Passed to each generation was two gifts: the first gift respect, for oneself and all others, is faithfulness to be a friend; the second gift Give and Give, is forgiveness and keeps the first gift. As the two little bats faced overwhelming situations that night, Batty witnessed the power of these gifts not only to keep safe, but to give rescue for others. He longed for these gifts to fill his heart to overflow like he saw in Louie. Louie and his father helped Batty understand the secret of the gifts was found in one special effort on his part - the keeping of a soft heart willing to break, and open to fill for overflow. With Louie's help, Batty found a bigger and stronger heart within than he could have ever imagined, that the best adventures and most exciting journeys were found in friendships one builds and keeps.