12.A few weeks ago,Catherine asked Thomas,her 7-year-old,what he would like to be when he grew up."I wanted to be an astronaut when I was 6",but then Thomas said he wanted to either run a dog hotel or be a Lego designer.
As Catherine shared on the Internet:"The next day he appeared with a letter,written in his"best handwriting,"asking Lego if he could work for them." He wisely shared that he'd be available to help with designing Legos after school,on weekends,and in the holidays—and that his sister would be eager to do the same.
His mom put the letter in the mail but also tried to manage his expectations.She told Thomas that while Lego would appreciate his letter,the company probably wouldn't respond.According to Catherine, "He looked disheartened at my remarks and sank into the couch."
Then a package arrived from Christian Pau,the vice president and general manager of Lego U.K.and Ireland.Inside was a Lego kit,and a handwritten letter that said:
Dear Thomas, Thank you so much for your letter.It is great to see how excited you are for Lego building and your creations look fantastic! We would love your help to design even better products,but unfortunately all our product designers are sitting in Billund,which is in Denmark .We would still love to invite you to visit us in our Slough office(together with your sister and parents) for a juice/tea/coffee and a tour of the building. My office is called"Dumbledore's Office"—like the box attached.Let us know what time works for you! All the best, Christian |
"Seeing my son light up with pride at the beautifully crafted letter," Catherine wrote,"was something I won't ever forget."And neither will Thomas.
We never know when our words or actions might make an impact on another person.Small actions,like a little encouragement,a little acceptance,and a little praise,are flashing by and even insignificant to us,but are possibly life-changing for another person.Christian Pau didn't know how Thomas might react to his letter.In a broader sense,he doesn't know what Thomas's future might hold.He simply took the time to respond.
It was a small moment to him—but potentially a huge moment for Thomas.As Catherine wrote,"Thank you …for making my son see that it's always worth trying."
(1)Why did Thomas write Lego a letter?
A.To ask the company to buy him a dog.
B.To request a space tour as an astronaut.
C.To set up an animal shelter with its help.
D.To offer to work for it as a part-time designer.
(2)How did Thomas's feelings change in the story?
A.Hopeful-Upset-Surprised.
B.Disappointed-Hopeful-Satisfied.
C.Ambitious-Content-Disappointed.
D.Delighted-Doubtful-Depressed.
(3)What can we learn from Christian Pau?
A.He was generous with his kindness.
B.He wanted to change people's lives.
C.He devoted his time to hunting designers.
D.He focused on every customer's opinions.
(4)Which message was NOT given in this text?
A.Faith moves mountains.
B.Every attempt counts.
C.A short cut is often a wrong cut.
D.Don't underestimate your abilities.