In the aftermath of the destruction caused by 'The Mauler' creature. It succeeded in accomplishing one, last death before its own demise. Theodore Seuss Wiggins, age fifteen, was pronounced dead early the following morning from wounds inflicted by the creature. Mayor Marshall Holland was assigned the task of informing the city of their hero's death. A death that has struck a cord in every citizen, young and old alike. Not since the great Dr. Seuss's passing has Seussdom so collectively mourned.
Theodore (Ted) Wiggins is survived by his mother, (Margie Wiggins), father, (Kyle Wiggins), grandmother, (Norma Wiggins) and numerous friends. His passing a shock to all who witnessed it.
As the days turn to months and months to years. Many tourists will most defiantly come to Thneedville. They will walk the streets that Ted use to walk. They will tour Truffula Park and gaze at the statue. More then often they will visit the spot were he died. I have no doubt in my mind that they will ask the citizens how he he met his end. For me, I intend to remember how he lived.
I met Ted when he was only ten years of age. I thought nothing of it at the time. He was just like all the other kids. I'd been working at a Day Care center during the summer months. Of all the kids that came through those doors, Ted not being one of them. He was a rare one indeed. Living with his mother and grandmother, having no contact with his father for many a year. He was in many ways a charming young man. There was a selfless sense about him, though he tended to hide it for a time.
From a young age, he wanted nothing more to be excepted by his peers. His mother told me that his interest was in sports. he preferred baseball and soccer, but had a fondness for racing. He received his Monocycle when he was only ten and took to riding it everyday. He eventually found himself in the Thneedville Cycle-a-Thon when he was eleven. Ted won first prize, the trophy now resides in a special place in his room.
With all these sport activities he participated in. Ted never once wanted to be first in anything. His love was in the game itself, whether he won or lost. When I learned about this, I wasn't surprised. Like I said, he wasn't one for fame. A tradition he supported after he was dubbed, Seed Bearer of Thneedville. He never liked being called, A Hero. In fact, Ted wanted to be just like everyone else. It was this quality that drew me too him.
As I said before, I met him when he was ten and thought nothing of it. Ted on the other hand saw something in me. Call it a crush if you like. Whatever it was, I would often find something of his in my backyard. I guess you could say he was trying to get my attention. I suppose it worked, because one day I invited him in to get his opinion on a mural I was doing on the back of my house. That's how it all began. After that, Ted went in search for a tree. He did it at first to impress me. But I think after hearing the Once-Ler's story. Something in him changed. You see, that Truffula in the center of town, it was meant for me. Yet, Ted gave it to the town, as he did his own life.
Ted fought for what was right, even in the face of Aloysius O'Hare's control. He brought the best out of everyone and continued until his untimely death.
I don't think I shall ever know someone like Theodore ever again. I miss him greatly and will keep his memory alive in my heart forever. In fact, I would like to close this obituary of Theodore Seuss Wiggins with a verse from a poem by Edgar Alan Poe. I think its meaning speaks volumes about the man we all knew and loved:
'Take this kiss upon my brow!
And, in parting from you now, Thus much let me avow -
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day, In a vision, or none, Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream'
Ted, you were a dream, loving dream that took flesh. You lived your life helping others, spreading happiness and hope for all. You will sorrowfully be missed. - Audrey Summersend