Dec
22
2011

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Wayseer & the Miraculous Story Behind the Story…

Your darkest hour may be the moment you make your greatest contribution, for then you are in the crucible where miracles are born.
When times are hard you might relate to Robert L. May’s tragic and inspiring true story of the making of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Many people are overjoyed when they hear this story, and surprised they’d never heard it before…

Right in the midst of the Great Depression, Bob struggled to keep it together through Christmastime. His wife was dying of cancer, the medical bills were piling up and his 4 year old daughter was depending on him to be strong. Brokenhearted, desperate and overwhelmed with medical expenses, Bob was given the job to write an uplifting children’s “animal story” for a department store called Montgomery Ward. This was to be a Christmas promotional coloring book.

How do you write a jubilant children’s story when your heart is breaking and your life is collapsing?

Bob didn’t have the luxury of failing, so he focused on the two things that brought him strength … his daughter and his triumph over his difficult childhood. Bob was always different and never seemed to fit in. He was what some might call a Wayseer.

Despite his difficult childhood, Bob got through college, married his loving wife, was blessed with his beautiful little girl and was grateful to have work to support his family during the Great Depression. But it was all short-lived. His wife Evelyn’s bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and Bob and his daughter were forced to live in the Chicago slums. Evelyn was going to die within a year.

Bob struggled to give hope to his little girl, but he could barely afford to buy her a Christmas present. Bob had to use what little he had to work with to transform their lives – even if just for a moment – into something positive and hopeful.

Inspired in part by his daughter’s fascination with the deer at the local zoo, Bob chose a reindeer to be the focus of the story he would tell and retell to his grieving daughter. Her favorite name for this reindeer was Rudolph, and so it was.

The character he created was a misfit just like he was. Out of the imagination of a man at his breaking point, somehow Bob found the grace to tell a story that shed a light of hope and optimism in the face of adversity.

When he finally shared his heartfelt story with the supervisor in the catalog copy department of Montgomery Ward, his story was rejected. The supervisor didn’t like the red nose because he associated red noses with drinking and drunkards.

Most people would have acquiesced and given their boss whatever they wanted, because it was the Great Depression and Bob had little energy left to fight. However, Bob was no stranger to adversity. Instead of acquiescing to the man controlling his only source of income, Bob pushed back. This wasn’t just a red nosed reindeer. This was the precious creation that he shared with his daughter and his dying wife. This story was the thing that brought them comfort during the most difficult moment in their lives. He would not let it go.

Bob brought in an illustrator to depict an innocent red nosed reindeer that would appeal to children and parents alike in order to show the Wards catalog supervisor the merit of Bob’s vision. With that illustration and a good amount of spine, Bob convinced the supervisor to go with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and Bob was paid for his book.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was an astonishingly huge success. Wards ended up distributing more than six million copies of the Rudolph book.

But that is not where the story ends…
A major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print a new version of the book. Wards held the copyright, because they already paid Bob to write it, so Bob would receive no royalties. Bob’s wife had died by then and Bob was left with nothing but a mountain of medical expense debt and his daughter to take care of.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the president of Wards gave all the rights back to Bob May, so he could benefit from his own creation. The book became a best seller.

Many merchandising deals followed and Bob became wealthy, all from a little story he created in the crucible of his darkest hour to comfort his grieving daughter.

But there’s more…
Bob’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph.

The song was turned down again and again, but after not giving up, Gene Autry recorded “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and it was released in 1949 to become a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of “White Christmas.”

The simple gift of love Bob May created to comfort his daughter years ago kept on returning back to bless him and his family over and over.

“Love is a living energy that when released into the world goes on and on forever blessing everyone it reaches.”

Bob experienced the truth of that statement, just like we all can. Remember, your darkest hour may be the moment you make your greatest contribution, for then you are in the crucible where miracles are born.

See a quick video showing the deeper message of Rudolph that Bob left for all the other “misfits” out there. Watch the video in this post (above) or go here: http://www.Wayseers.com/Rudolph
Merry Christmas,
Garret

P.S. Variations of this story have been circulating around the Internet without all the facts straight. So I did some research and made sure this version is a true story…

About the Author:

36 Comments + Add Comment

  • Thank you and love to you for sharing this truly beautiful tale of life!

  • Hello Garret

    I’m not exactly sure why I’m writing you this email.

    I think I just want to say thank you for sharing your amazing insight. I am consistently moved to tears by what I am learning through this movement.

    Throughout my life of 35 years I have felt out of place with society and only now am I starting to understand why.

    I am a filmmaker based in London, but have rarely been able to produce the kind of films I would like to. I realise you have your own team around you now, but if there is any way I can ever help you from here in London, it would not only be an honour but potentially the cure to my sense of ill-ease surrounding my most loved vocation.

    I recently returned from Africa where I was experimenting with my latest passion: time-lapse photography. Somehow, standing alone in the wilderness of Zambia I felt more at one with the world than ever before and I firmly believe now that I have been gifted with my particular skills not to entertain the world but more importantly to educate.

    You can see the African time-lapse film on my youtube site: http://www.youtube.com/user/timelapsesam?feature=watch

    Thanks again for illuminating the darkness for me.

    Sam

  • Merry Christmas

  • Deeply touched by the story behind Rudolph’s creation. Thank you for sharing the magnificence of creativeness and love in moments of so much chalenge.

  • Thank you for this great story, it’s inspiration is a real gift I can share with my friends on line. I have loved the cartoon for years because I have always considered myself a misfit.
    Your post adds a wonderful new depth of meaning to my favorite Christmas show. Wishing you a very happy Christmas Garret!
    A fellow Wayseer,
    Roxanne

  • Bob May story should be told on ABC Family Channel, Hallmark Channel alone
    & or made into Video.
    Must for the ages with 1960s Rudolph Toon video orig attached.
    Be awesome
    For kids worldwide & all ages.

    To honor Bob May:
    Bob May Toyland
    Reindeer Zoo section
    Rudolphs Winter Wonderland: CA NV AZ MN WI OH ND MT NH.
    Archieve?
    Bob May Publishers?

    for future Bob Mays in the world.

  • Hi there, I’ve never seen the animation of the story of Rudolph, It’s excellent. I only read the book and sang the song. I didn’t know that a man was inspired to write it for those reasons either. I think it’s agreat story, especially for people who feel out of place. I remembered a few things from when I was a kid today. Thanks! :) Merry Christmas… Here’s a video we did for one of our songs that we’d like to share with you. — Hope you like it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5hEykR2Y-E

  • Thank you Garret for this soul soothing story. We got to find a way

  • Very happy to be a part of a group of exciting possibilities. Thanks for all you do Garret! And enjoy the season.

  • Garret, thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!

  • Thank you. I was just sitting here, ready to totally give up everything. It’s been a tough year affected by losing my job just before Christmas last year, and taking a stand to start my own business was a big risk, but I was not going to let no jobs get to me. Being apart from family is always difficult, especially at this time of the year and I have been working hard to make amends with my ex and children who I hurt in the past due to decisions I made and depression I went through, so there is still a lot of doubt from that side. And then today, received a call regarding from my bank saying that my details have been subject to a fraud, and on the day a payment was received for some work that was done and I could at least make an effort to send something to my family. I informed my ex who politely answered, details which I don’t want to go into. So yeah, I got VERY upset as I sit here, no finances to travel or buy anything, no access to my bank account, no family and I cried and decided to check my emails instead for some reason. And then I saw this. And then I read it through. And then I thought that I would respond instead of listening to the other thoughts going through my head. At least I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in. Food – I am sure I can somehow make a plan and find something. But deep inside, I think something has shifted after reading this and as painful as it is, I am not going to give up so thank you for sharing this story – you saved my life. And it’s funny that I say that because a few days ago, a story we shared saved another person’s life and I couldn’t quite understand it until now. Thank you.

  • Love it! Thank you!

  • Another beautiful story to show people what can happen when we let love occupy our heart. Blessings.

  • Thank you very much for posting this story. I have long been fascinated by the song, as it is such an accurate reflection of how the very feature that a ‘misfit’ gets persecuted for, can become the defining factor that is later celebrated by the same conformists that were creating problems earlier. I am having a difficult morning, albeit through nobody’s fault but my own; the reassurance that I can be better than this is deeply welcome. Hope you and everyone else reading this has a happy Christmas — despite the odds, if that’s the case — and 2012 brings wonderful new horizons. Peace out, Kuze

  • Hi Gareth and all here.

    Hey, it does turn around, and it does get ‘better’. The ‘better’ is more than you could imagine once the flow begins. I know about this and I have been in the big hole, approaching it like Bob May did. And now I am on the high side with new hope and the ability to help others. All of this turned around this year. It is a time for change because change is already here.

    Sending love and big hugs – Linda

  • To Garret, and to all out there who suffer the pain of being different – thank you. You make a difference, by sharing your stories you insights and your love. Whether you have everything or nothing, you have a story to tell, and that enriches my life. Bless you all, Sam in London who found Africa and all the others – bless you all! May the abundant Universe become your home, and may the joy of being and of loving be your companion from now on! Barbara

  • Thank you for this wonderful story! I had no idea that the story of Rudolph or the song came from where they did. They’ve both been a favorite of mine since I can remember. It goes to show that when you follow your heart there is always a way out of every difficulty.Have a wonderful and blessed Christ-Mass.
    Dr. John Michael Christian

  • Dear fellow Wayseer Garrett, thank you for sharing this very moving story..I love Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer even more so now that you have shared this with us..says I teary eyed ..and I am so certain there are a lot of Rudolf’s out there just like him..ready to light the way ahead..Here’s cheers to Hope and the very Happiest of Xmas’s to all xo

  • Thank you for bringing this touching story to my attention. I run a Montessori Nursery and this is one of the children’s favourite Christmas songs. Next year, I can tell them this story (a simplified version) and I have no doubt it will be the greatest rendition ever! Merry Christmas.

  • What a wonderful story. It just shows that one should never give up hope for a better life,

  • Thanks for publishing this. Love this story. Reminds me to just put one foot after another. I hate Xmas but trying to be grateful and keep busy. Sometimes bad stuff happens so we’ll move… whether figuratively or literally from where we are. Without upheavel sometimes we’d just sit and take it.

    Here’s to making 2012 the best year ever no matter what. We might thank our protagonists one day for helping give us the push or shove we need. :D

  • Greetings Garret,
    I am writing first to say that you are an inspiration to me and my little family (and to me personally), and to ask you if I may repost this story of Robert May on my blog post – “Observations of A Healer and A Psychic” http://davidwhiteeagle.wordpress.com/ (you may have to copy and paste the address). Thank you for your blog and emails.
    Peace, Love and Light,
    David White Eagle

    • Go for it.

  • Great story, always enjoy reading your inspiring messages. Merry Christmas
    Tim

  • THANK YOU ALL & . . . INFINITE BLESSINGS . . . YHVH-style via through us all . . . 2INFINITY . . .

    With tears in my eyes as I try to choke them back, I say my personal mantra to re-gain my inner strength as WE make ways for others in our United ONE Family . . .

    . . . in Love, Light & Spirit in an Endless attitude of Gratitude . . . I bow to the Divine in all of
    Us . . .
    hugs & kisses XOXOXO . . . 2INFINITY . . .
    —I AM “Chal” & cannot wait for our Joyous re-Union . .

  • Hi, Garrett! What a gift I found this morning. Thank you so much for sharing. I have just shared this with my community of Wayseers in the making. (http://www.facebook.com/michelebbarr)

    It was the opening quote that first spoke to me, “Your darkest hour may be the moment you make your greatest contribution, for then you are in the crucible where miracles are born.”

    Enjoy the holidays and keep being in your brilliance so others can know how to be in theirs.

    Michelle

  • Hi, Garrett! What a gift I found this morning. Thank you so much for sharing. I have just shared this with my community of Wayseers in the making. (http://www.facebook.com/michellebbarr)

    It was the opening quote that first spoke to me, “Your darkest hour may be the moment you make your greatest contribution, for then you are in the crucible where miracles are born.”

    Enjoy the holidays and keep being in your brilliance so others can know how to be in theirs.

    Michelle

  • [...] Read the story on how the real Rudolf the red nose reindeer manifested. Your darkest hour may be the moment you make your greatest contribution, for then you are in the crucible where miracles are born. When times are hard you might relate to Robert L. May’s tragic and inspiring true story of the making of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Many people are overjoyed when they hear this story, and surprised they’d never heard it before [...]

  • I loved this story and yes I’m a wayseer too.

  • This was great to hear I hope all misfits band together to change this word! Remember “Do or Do not there is no try” Yoda “God bless you All” & Never, Never, Never give Up! Joey

  • Thank you Garrett.

    Made me cry and smile at the same time.

    With Love & Light,

    Kilo

  • thanks for the knowledge!!! wayseer born and proud

  • What struck me about this story is the action of the corporation in releasing the rights to the book back to the author. Would a corporation today who answers to it’s shareholders, whose only purpose in this world is to make money, have the courage, the heart to take this kind of right action?

  • Wayseers are actually… “old souls”;
    people who’s soul has reincarnated as a human being a lot more times than the rest of humanity so our vast knowledge, coming from the soul, makes us visionaries.

    So Simple, don’t you think?

    So the reason we have a hard time here on earth is that otherwise we would be BORED!Think about it…

    More at http://www.earthfather.eu – read the SYMPTOMS page!
    (Not my website)

    RobertJanSimons.nl
    Amsterdam, Holland

    http://www.garretjohn.com/rudolph-the-red-nosed-wayseer/

  • “Love is a living energy that when released into the world goes on and on forever blessing everyone it reaches.”

    This positive energy touched my soul.

  • Dear Garrett,

    The autobiography on my website will tell you that I am a wayseer. And it appears that your Rudolf article way help others through my cancer. See extract from my recent email below:

    While I was having my injections at Ashford on Thursday, Sue started chatting to a very elderly gentleman called Rudolf, and as there was a model reindeer by the Chistmas tree, there was some joking about that. Rudolf had lost his Wife seven years ago after 54 years of marriage, and was pleased to know of our long marriage. Yesterday I was feeling more up to spending time on the computer to catch up on emails. Imagine my astonishment on opening one posted by my friend Sharon on Christmas Eve, that it provided a link to the article attached, telling the wonderful and uplifting true story of how the author of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer had been inspired through the difficult situation of raising his small daughter while his Wife was dying of cancer.

    Fortunately, I had the email address of the senior nurse at the unit, who had been very kind and helpful, so I am hoping that she can print it out for Rudolph and maybe share it with other doctors and nurses there. This may be to prepare them for something even more amazing.

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