Wedding reading from Winnie the Pooh

[paddys]

I'm putting together a wedding ceremony booklet for our daughter's wedding. It's going to press in 24 hours from now and I'm looking for a short reading from Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne. Something inspirational, preferably about friendship. It will be read by an 8-year-old boy who is a good reader. There are plenty of quotes to be found but I want something slightly more substantial, say 150-200 words, which is part of an actual story rather than an isolated quote. Any ideas?

[kiki1982]

What do you think about the end of The House at Pooh Corner? Scrap the things in square brackets, as they are not appropriate without context.

"Then, suddenly [again], Christopher Robin, who was [Still] looking at the world with his chin in his hands, called out, "Pooh!"
"Yes?" said Pooh.
"When I'm--when-- Pooh!"
"Yes, Christopher Robin?"
"I'm not going to do Nothing any more."
"Never again?"
"Well, not so much. They don't let you."
Pooh waited for him to go on, but he was silent again.
"Yes, Christopher Robin?" said Pooh helpfully.
"Pooh, when I'm--you know--when I'm not doing Nothing, will you come up here sometimes?"
"Just Me?"
"Yes, Pooh."
"Will you be here too?"
"Yes, Pooh, I will be really. I promise I will be, Pooh."
"That's good," said Pooh.
"Pooh, promise you won't forget about me, ever. Not even when I'm a hundred."
Pooh thought for a little.
"How old shall I be then?"
"Ninety-nine."
Pooh nodded.
"I promise," he said.
Still with his eyes on the world Christopher Robin put out a hand and felt for Pooh's paw.
"Pooh," said Christopher Robin earnestly, "if I--if I'm not quite" he stopped and tried again --". Pooh, whatever happens, you will understand, won't you?"
"Understand what?"
"Oh, nothing." He laughed and jumped to his feet. "Come on!"
"Where?" said Pooh.
"Anywhere," said Christopher Robin.


So they went off together. But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a little boy and his Bear will always be playing."

It brought tears to my eyes twice actually. It's about growing up, eternal friendship.

That is of course if this fits into the context of your service ;).

[paddys]

Thanks kiki, Much appreciated. The more I read it, the more I love it. And I think that, with a very small bit of editing, it can be put across well by an 8-year-old. Thanks again.