As a child, occasionally my mother would bring out an oversized book that was loaded with the most beautiful and mysterious-looking art work I had ever seen at that tender age. The book’s name was simply The Fairy Tale Book. My mother safeguarded it by keeping it in her bedroom on the lower shelves of an antique desk that had been passed down through my father’s family. I am still enchanted with the illustrations to this day!
Childhood is a wonderful time when we believe most anything can come true. Somehow, the “Easter Bunny” can bring chocolates and jelly beans to the home of every child and somehow, hop right into one’s house and hide the basket containing them. Likewise, a jolly middle-aged plump man who has been overly-fond of his wife’s cookies can somehow manage to squeeze down many chimneys after being conveyed to rooftops via a sled that travels throughout the entire world, bringing toys to “good little children.”
Early school picture
Looking back, I am happy that my parents “lied” to me. I am thankful for the stories and all the fairy tales that allowed me to explore the edges of my own imagination and to learn that art can transport us all to a wonderful place, if only in our own mind’s eye. Isn’t that what good art is supposed to do?
So many tales convey powerful symbolism and could give any child hope! Who isn’t awkward and unsure of oneself when merely a child? I was a shy, frail and sickly child who missed a lot of school because of many childhood illnesses. If there was anything to catch, I would come down with it… from chicken pox, mumps, measles, scarlet fever and injuries galore from dog bites to other emergencies that required professional care. I never felt quite at home in my own body. If nothing else, I always felt like the ugly duckling that did not quite fit in with the rest of the pack. It is amazing now to consider how I felt as a child compared to attitudes I now feel as a self-assured competent middle-aged woman who can readily see that my life has really made a difference.
“Patti” – when “I” still believed that it was possible for my uncle to bring me back a penguin from the Antarctic where he served in the Army
The best part of life is right now. All of the problems and issues of the past have just melted away and are relegated to the past. For one thing, many people who were obstacles to my happiness have passed on. Some of the overwhelming issues are no more.
Fairy tales can and do come true. The key is perseverance and the belief that if we continually work toward a brighter tomorrow, great things can happen! During our darkest hours, we cannot even begin to imagine any change for the better. After all, each of us has to live with TODAY. Tomorrow is never real until it has arrived.
Today is our only reality but also, it is a culmination of all of our yesterdays. Furthermore, tomorrow holds a potential fairy tale outcome for all of us. It is possible to find a prince and live happily ever after.
Fairy tales just present the possibilities. It is up to each of us to shape tomorrow and help to make our own dreams come true or, in my case, live a life that even exceeds my own former high expectations. Life is good! Be happy by choosing happiness in spite of any personal circumstances. Revisit your own fanciful imagination that indwells in every child and re-learn the ability to be amazed by Life! Yes, there really is a Santa! He is the spirit of joy that is alive and well in the hearts of those who believe.
Peace,
Patricia Cummings
