Mr. McBeevee

(This was written by Bryant Wright)

There aren't many television shows these days that leave you with moral inspiration. But, years ago, "The Andy Griffith Show" left us with this little gem of wisdom, as most of his shows did.

As Andy, Aunt Bee, and Barney sat around the dinner table, eight-year-old Opie amused them with stories about a new friend, a magical man by the name of Mr. McBeevee. He had a shiny metal hat and made a jingling sound as he walked in the treetops. At first they laughed at Opie's imaginary friend, but his Pa became concerned as the stories grew a bit too outlandish. After yet another evening of McBeevee stories, Andy decided it was time to put an end to the nonsense. Andy demanded that Opie admit he had been making up the adventures. But even under the threat of a whippin', the boy would not recant. "I ain't lyin', Pa. Promise." Opie told his father. Andy retreated downstairs and stared into space.

"Did you punish him?" Aunt Bee asked.

"No," Andy quietly said.

Barney was shocked at Andy's failure to act. "Don't tell me you believe in Mr. McBeevee!"

"No," Andy replied, "but I do believe in Opie."

Andy's trust in Opie was rewarded the next day when he met Mr. McBeevee, who turns out to be a hard-hatted telephone lineman with a belt full of jingling tools. Sometimes when you deal with your children, it's a good idea to ignore logic and let their hearts declare the truth.

JB