NIAGARA, Wis. — I recently ordered a children’s book that piqued my curiosity after hearing about it on a recent episode of “CBS Sunday Morning.” Written by Bob McKinnon, it is titled “Three Little Engines” and uses the children’s classic “The Little Engine That Could” as a stepping-off point to offer a new perspective on achievement. After being raised on the original version and sharing that version with my own children, I found this adaptation to be a very refreshing, and much more realistic, comment on how it is that some of us succeed and others miss the mark.

First, let’s review that original volume for those of us who may have forgotten its story line. A train loaded with toys and food for children in a neighboring village is stranded at the foot of a mountain that separates it from its destination. The train simply does not have enough power to climb the mountain. The toys on board become more and more upset, thinking of the many children at risk of being disappointed, and they begin asking for help from a series of three trains that pass them by while they are stranded.

Any one of those three trains could certainly have helped, as they were newer, larger and faster and, consequently, very capable. But each chose not to come to the assistance of the stranded train of toys. Then along comes the little trainyard switching engine who takes pity on the stranded train and its cargo meant for the village children. She hitches herself up and pulls the stranded train over the mountain so it can successfully complete its mission. All the while, she chugs along saying “I think I can, I think I can.”

There are many wonderful lessons to be learned by this story, which is probably why it has remained in print since its first publication in 1930; an updated edition was published in 1954. First, the little engine shows kindness and compassion when she willingly hitches herself to the toy train to help it over the mountain. Despite having never been over the mountain, she is not afraid. She is able to rise to the occasion because she can see her help is needed. She also shows great empathy in that she knows the children will be disappointed when their toys do not arrive, and the toys on board the train will be greatly saddened when they cannot make the children happy. The little train understands because she has empathy, another wonderful characteristic. The little train also shows leadership when she steps up, takes charge and supports the needs of those around her. Also, she doesn’t allow her inexperience to get in her way. Her desire to do something for others supersedes any concern for possible failure. Finally, the “can do” mindset of the little train is what has endeared this story to countless generations of children and parents alike. It reinforces the all-American work ethic we have all been brought up to believe is necessary for success in life. All we need to do is to keep on trying and to continue working hard, and all of our dreams will come true.

Yet, our own life experience, as well as the lives of both friends and strangers, demonstrate that this lesson is not always true. We have all experienced failure no matter how hard we worked and have endured the bitter sting of disappointment when all of our best efforts did not produce the hoped-for outcome. We had an idea, devised an action plan, worked very hard to follow the plan, and failed.We are familiar with the inescapable feeling of being cheated out of something we deserve, something we believe we have earned. We want to scream, “This is not what is supposed to happen when you work hard!” Years ago, I worked with a man who became a good friend and an excellent mentor for me. He spoke the truth when he said, “Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but you cannot get anywhere without it.”

Yet, we do know all too well that there are some people we have encountered in our lives who simply cannot get ahead. They appear to have had all of the same advantages as we have had yet life seems to get the best of them at every turn. What is our reaction to their predicament? All too often we tend to blame that person. We judge, as if we knew their story. After all, we tell ourselves, we have had the same opportunities in life. Yet, I made it so what is wrong with them?

Bob McKinnon addresses this phenomenon, as well as our reaction to it, in his story about three little engines who are facing their first solo trip over the mountain. Successful completion of this trip will allow each of them to graduate from Engine School. Their teacher, the Rusty Old Engine, awaits each of them on the other side of the mountain along with all of their friends and relatives. Each engine takes its place on a different track and begins their trip. There was a cheerful blue engine on track one, a fast and confident yellow passenger engine on track two, and a strong, fiery red freight engine on track three.

They each follow their tracks yet only the blue engine makes it successfully to the finish line to earn its diploma. With the exception of one steep hill, the blue engine’s journey had been uneventful. The yellow passenger train had a route with many more twists and turns as well as big boulders and bumpy ground. And as a passenger train, he was pulling lots of cars behind him. Faced with the steepest climb of his route and very bad weather, he realized he simply could climb no further no matter how hard he had tried. The red freight engine had a much steeper route to travel that was full of many hills. And as a freight engine, she was pulling cars filled with very heavy cargo. As she looked ahead up the track, she noticed that a large log had fallen across the track and was now blocking her way completely. She could not continue and realized she would not be able to graduate.

Back at the finish line the little blue engine could not believe her friends had quit. The Rusty Old Engine pointed out that “they had not quit but that maybe they have gone as far as they can go right now.” Wisely, he says to the blue engine: “Close your eyes and think back on your journey. How many twists and turns were there on your route? Did you face wind and rain? How many steep stretches did you have to climb? How heavy was your load? Was there anything blocking your track?” All very good questions, indeed.

The key insight comes when the little blue engine “sat quietly for a moment, thinking about how her journey might be different from that of her friends. … My friends worked really hard too. But they got stuck. Just because you think you can, doesn’t always mean you will. … Some engines make it here, and others have things that get in their way — no matter how hard they try.”

And the light bulb moment: “I wonder, is there anything we can do to help them?” Together, the little blue engine and the Rusty Old Engine head off together — “over the hills, into the rain, and past the trees” — and help the other two engines get across the finish line.

We all travel different pathways to success and happiness, many times facing insurmountable obstacles. And none of us, when we really stop to think about our journey, has ever made it successfully without a little help from our friends. So, just maybe it is time for us to return the favor…

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

No additional information currently available.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Jewelry show, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Lutheran Bible study, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: One-to-one visits, 10 a.m.; time outside, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; outside social, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: DeYoung Zoo, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Fishing, 6 a.m.; coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; Banana splits, 2 p.m.; “Sorry,” 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Cookout, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Shopping, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass in multi-purpose room, 2 p.m.; rosary (radio), 2:30 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles and carrots.

Wednesday: Sausage, mashed potatoes, corn and sauerkraut.

Thursday: Chicken cacciatore, noodles, green beans and lettuce salad.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken stir fry, rice and Oriental vegetables.

Tuesday: Barbecue sandwich, potato wedges and broccoli.

Wednesday: Beef stew and biscuit.

Thursday: Spanish rice with corn, black beans and ground beef.

Friday: Chicken tenders, french fries and mixed vegetables.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Philly casserole, corn and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Ham and cheese omelet, hash browns and spiced applesauce.

Wednesday: Polish sausage and sauerkraut, wax beans and buttered noodles.

Thursday: Italian salad, celery sticks and cornbread.

Friday: Turkey and Swiss wrap, coleslaw, chips and pudding.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906- 774-2256

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish pancakes, strawberries and sausage.

Tuesday: Spanish rice, corn and bread.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato, vegetable blend, coleslaw and fruit.

Tuesday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, hashbrowns, corn and fruit.

Wednesday: Pizza casserole, dark green salad, garlic breadsticks and fruit pie.

Thursday: Chicken Caesar salad, roll and fruit.

Friday: Beef noodle casserole, beet salad, fruit and brownies.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 — RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey wrap, cottage cheese, chips and fruit.

Tuesday: Mushroom burger, potato wedges, carrots and fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, noodles, broccoli, breadsticks and fruit.

Thursday: Stuffed green pepper, mixed vegetables, breadsticks and dessert.

All meals include an 8-ounce skim milk or juice.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken, potato salad and baked beans.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy and Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots and onions.

Thursday: Bourbon beef tips over noodles and Capri blend vegetables.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Taco bake, cornbread, peas and pears.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and peaches.

Thursday: Pasta and meat sauce, broccoli and mixed fruit.

All meals served with fruit and choice of skim milk or juice.