To any reader

As from the house your mother sees You playing round the garden trees, So you may see, if you will look Through the windows of this book, Another child, far, far away, And in another garden, play. But do not think you can at all, By knocking on the window, call That child to hear you. He intent Is all on his play-business bent. He does not hear, he will not look, Nor yet be lured out of this book. For, long ago, the truth to say, He has grown up and gone away, And it is but a child of air That lingers in the garden there.

--Robert Louis Stevenson

The other day, I had the distinct feeling that something was missing. An essential part of the everyday landscape was lost somehow, yet I could not put my finger on precisely what it was. Mulling it over that evening, I realized it was Raggedy Ann. Our warmhearted redhead and her retinue of ragdolls had been Marie's constant companions for over a year, rescued from a life of obscurity in the basement and restored to life by her verdant imagination. It occurred to me that I had not seen them with her in weeks. I grieved a little, realizing that Marie might be outgrowing her faithful little friends.

Imagine my cheer to find this vision of yarn and flowers and shoebuttons lovingly arranged in a basket the next day. Marie was smiling broadly, but announced with a note of indignation that someone had tossed them into the bottom of a toybox and she had only just uncovered them that morning. I settled down to nurse Eileen, gladly gazing on as Marie and Maureen flitted to and fro gathering blossoms to bestow upon the happy party.

Dearest, dearest, Raggedy Ann, please do not hurry off, but linger in our garden a while longer, for this mother's heart is not yet ready to part with you . . . or with childhood.

Comments

[Jennifer]

That is so beautiful. I'm so glad she didn't let go just yet. That poem made me weepy.

[Rebecca B.]

I love that poem! Raggedy Ann is such a loveable companion. I am glad she is still important to Marie!

[Jenn Miller]

How beautiful, Alice! How nice that Raggedy Ann was found and put in her prominent place again. I love having moments that show that ds isn't quite grown up. Today was a perfect example he asked to watch some Baby Einstein videos.

[Mary Ann]

Alice, this brings back sweet memories of my Andrew, now a strapping 18 year old, and his loving care of his faithful companion, Raggedy Andy. I remember when I had to wean Andrew, weeks before his sister was born, due to some pregnancy complications, when Andrew sadly told Andy that neither of them could nurse anymore. Thanks for bringing back the sweet memeories of that earlier time.

[Alice]

>when Andrew sadly told Andy that >neither of them could nurse anymore.

That is so touching, Mary Ann.

Thanks everyone for the kind words!