I remember walking down the aisle of a huge toy store, looking for that special doll to call my own.One, who wanted a very special girl to take her home.

I looked high and low for her and didn’t stop until I became satisfied with my search.“Suddenly, my angel, my friend, my confidante, oh “yes”, my joy;I found the doll that would become much more than a toy.She was beautifully dressed in a snow white bonnet and a matching flowing white gown.“I want her Mommy,” was all I could say.Mommy paused and asked, “Is that all you would like for Christmas Day?”

Mom and I both knew this was all we could afford.Yet, she aimed to please me, for I was the “doll” that she adored.

Mom never wrapped my new found friend.Instead, she placed her into my arms like a precious gem.I cradled her and held her tight.From that day forward she was never out of my sight.Her name was “Curlie”, a name I didn’t need to ponder;For Curlie was the name of my favorite “Globe Trotter”.He was bald, she was bald; they had a lot in common.He made the world laugh, she made my heart sing.Isn’t that quite ironic?

As I grew older, Curlie became more of a decoration piece upon my bed. She was always well dressed before I left for school, and her beautiful white bonnet placed carefully on her head.Mom would ask me, “What about all of your other dolls?”I just shrugged my shoulders, not thinking twice because Curlie was ranked highest of them all!She never shared a space amongst my other clutter;She was my pride and joy, definitely like no other.

Where is Curlie now? You may ask.She’s come to life and that’s a fact.She is still bringing joy to the hearts of many.Her name has changed and she spends my every penny.“Little Me”, is what I call her.“Big girl”, is what she prefers.

No more constant hugs or kisses.Now it’s, “Mom, do I have to do the dishes?”

You see, when I grew up and had a baby of my own.Curlie was pushed aside and some how lost in the storm.My heart feels sad from time to time, for I do not know of her fate.I do thank God though, for the doll I have now, who fills the space of yesterday.To my darling daughter