The Great Depression

Hello, my name is Eleanor. It is so nice to meet you. A long, long time ago, our country felt like it was under a big, gray raincloud that wouldn't go away. It was a time when many of my friends and neighbors were very sad. It was hard for mommies and daddies to find jobs to make money. That meant it was tricky to buy yummy food for dinner or keep their houses warm and cozy. Imagine a rainy day that lasts for weeks and weeks. The sun just wouldn't peek out from behind the clouds. Everyone missed the sunshine and the happy feeling it brought. It was a very quiet and difficult time for so many people I cared about.

My husband, Franklin, was the president, and he wanted to help everyone feel the sunshine again. He had a very important job, so he asked me if I could be his eyes and ears. I said yes right away. I packed my little bag and hopped onto trains and into cars. I traveled all across our big country, from sunny farms to busy cities. I wanted to meet everyone and listen to their stories. I sat with families in their kitchens and played with children in their yards. I gave them big, warm hugs to let them know someone cared. Being a good friend means listening with your whole heart, and that’s what I tried to do for everyone I met.

Slowly, something wonderful started to happen. People began helping each other, just like one big family. Friends shared vegetables from their gardens, and neighbors helped build new playgrounds for the children. My husband and I helped create new jobs so people could work again. By sharing, listening, and being kind, we all worked together to bring the sunshine back. We learned that when we all help, even a big gray cloud can't stop us from making the world a bright and happy place.