There once was a very generous and talented elder gromnatross who spent much of his time helping others. He enjoyed this, and was wise and good at many things, so he was often sought out by those less skilled and in need of help. Some sought his aid often and most of the time they remembered to say thank you in return for his help. One day the wise gromnatross realized he felt the chill of the fall air more so in his bones than ever before, and realized he was becoming ill. He found a healer who could cure him, but his fees were high, and he required a basket full of a rare berry to work his magic. The old gromnatross made the long trek through dire country to find the fruit the healer required of him. He fought long and hard, and wearied himself in the effort. When he learned that one of the hatchling gromnies who came often to him had in his possession the berries he quested for, he was elated! You see, if he did not get this item soon, he would surely die. But, alas, the hatchling was uncharitable, and fearful of getting sick himself, and refused the old gromnatross his cure. Now the elder was not only sick of body, but also sick at heart.

While the berries mildewed in the young hatchling's basket, never to heal anyone, the wise old gromatross' protege stopped the hard work he was doing in the fields collecting food for the winter upon learning that help was needed. Another of the old gromnatross' peers also dropped everything and raced out to help him. Soon the wise old gromnatross had not one, but _two_ baskets of berries!! The elder barely made it to the healer in time, but was healed good as new, for not only had his friends healed his body, but also his broken heart.

Now, the old gromnatross was a kindly sort, as we have already established, but not a fool. Although he swore he would never begrudge the young greedy hatchling who would see him die rather than risk his own interests, his lack of empathy and generosity of heart nagged at the old fellow. He poured over his memory, asking himself how he could have failed in his teachings all those times the younger gromnie came to him. With great sadness, he decided the youngster also had failed.

One day, the hatchling gromnie decided it was time to find a home in preparation for raising a family. The young fellow needed an herb to acquire the home which was not at all rare, and grew copiously in the old gromnatross' backyard. When the hatchling came yet again to his elder seeking help, the old gromnatross saw his opportunity! He could right his failures and use this situation to teach the younger gromnie the value of kindness and generosity! With a heavy heart, but knowing that it would not ruin the youngster's chances at getting his home, the old gromnatross denied the younger gromnie the herbs he needed for the purchase. The younger gromnie screamed "Why?!?! That's so unfair when you have so much of it growing right there in your yard, and use it for nothing!!" The old gromnatross simply sighed, pointed to the patch of the herb growing across the field, and closed the door. He went to sit by the fire with his friends and benefactors... and then he smiled.

Moral of the story: If what goes around doesn't come back around, it can't go 'round again. Weigh what you take with what you give, and be kind and generous of heart. Do not ask first, see if you can do first. Instead of asking things of others, ask yourself what you can do for them.