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Magical Moment 589, "Stuffy Comfort"

For weeks, I've watched a little girl with lopsided pigtails come to ballet class. She wears a tiny white leotard and tights that sag on her small, 4 year old frame. Before each class, she says a tearful goodbye to her mother at the door and makes her way to the wooden barre.

Although distraught at the separation, she remains absolutely obedient to the instructions of the teacher. Through weepy eyes, she skips across the floor, all while clutching a wadded up tissue in her fist. When her eyes become too misty, she dabs them while marching in rhythm to the music of The Nutcracker. Occasionally, an audible sob emerges, but she never strays from performing each exercise perfectly.

Last week, the familiar scene unfolded with a slight change. Instead of a kiss goodbye, her mother stepped into the classroom holding a brightly colored dog. 
"Now, where should we put Stuffy?" her mother asked. "Right here by the piano, so he can watch over you?" The little girl silently nodded, lip quivering. 

And so as I played for the ballet class, I watched Stuffy watch over the little girl. And this time, there were no tears. Just a very brave ballerina.

Comments

TexWisGirl said…
how sweet is that! your description was so perfect...
Steve Gravano said…
Nice way to cheer up my day! Thanks.
I'm troubled by the tears. Maybe they should have waited a year or two to introduce the little one to ballet. But I'm glad that Stuffy's presence seems to be helping. Between Stuffy and the nice lady at the piano, ballet has to be looking a little better to her.
Busy Bee Suz said…
This is so sweet. Stuffy helped her to be brave......this is the type of stuff that makes my heart swell up!
xo
Deborah said…
Oh that made me well up, so lovely. My daughter had two toys that went everywhere with her, they are soo important to them :o)
Hilary said…
Very sweet. Moms are such problem solvers. Nicely told, Elizabeth.
Dave King said…
Brilliant. And did you play "Someone to watch over me"?
Reena said…
Very nice story ... sweet.
Dawn said…
Oh how utterly sweet. I want to hug that little girl...and then hug Stuffy!
Rick said…
A touching story, Elizabeth. I could picture our 4-year old granddaughter who also takes ballet - but she jumps right in, undaunted by any fears. I'm sure this little girl will overcome hers soon.
Leonora said…
Oh, poor little girl! I hope the tears turn to smiles very soon.
You get to sit near stuffy : )
Frank Baron said…
Ahhhh! I love happy endings. :)
laughwithusblog said…
Aw! Some times we just need to figure out what will comfort them!
holdingmoments said…
A magical moment indeed.

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