Ladder

Hello there. My name is Ladder, and I am one of the most helpful friends you will ever meet. You have probably seen me leaning against a wall or standing tall in a garage. I have two very long, strong arms that stretch way up toward the sky. In between my arms, I have lots of little steps called rungs. They look a bit like the steps on a playground jungle gym, don't they? My job is super important. When something is too high for you to reach, even on your tippy-toes, I am here to help. I let you climb up, up, up, one step at a time, so you can reach for the stars, or maybe just a cookie on the top shelf. I can be made of wood that smells like a forest, or shiny metal that feels cool to the touch. No matter what I look like, my purpose is always the same: to give you a lift.

My story is very, very old. So old, in fact, that my first picture was painted on the wall of a cave. Can you imagine that? About 10,000 years ago, in a place we now call Spain, someone painted a picture of me helping people. Back then, I didn't look like I do today. I wasn't made of shiny metal. I was made by clever humans who took long, sturdy tree branches for my arms and tied strong ropes made of grass between them to make my steps. They needed my help for a very sweet reason. High up on a cliff, there was a busy, buzzing beehive filled with delicious, golden honey. The people down below could smell the sweetness, but the hive was too high to reach. “How can we get that yummy treat?” they wondered. That is when they made me. I remember feeling so proud as one of the ancient honey gatherers carefully placed me against the rocky cliff. Step by step, they climbed up my rungs, feeling brave and steady. I held them tight and did not wiggle one bit. They reached the hive, gathered the sticky honey, and climbed safely back down. Everyone cheered. I knew right then that I had a very special job in the world.

As time went on, I started to change. I was not always made of branches and grass ropes. People learned to make me out of strong wood, then shiny, lightweight metal like aluminum, and now, you can even find me in bright, colorful plastic. I have had so many amazing jobs over the years. I have helped brave firefighters climb up to rescue kittens stuck in tall trees. I have stood tall and steady for builders creating giant skyscrapers that touch the clouds. I have even helped librarians put books back on the very top shelf and helped kids like you reach a favorite toy that was put away just a little too high. Every time someone uses me, they are reaching for something they want. I love being a part of their adventure. I am a simple friend, but I help people reach new heights and achieve their goals, one careful step at a time. So next time you see me, remember that even the biggest dreams can be reached by taking that first little step up.