In the midst of the Canadian Prairies lived two five-year-old girls named Janice and Amy. They were cousins and the very best of friends. Their houses lay close together on adjacent farms.
They loved playing together on the grassed area beside the bubbling brook that divided their properties. Amy and Janice also had fun running and skipping along the trail beside this shallow brook, which extended for many miles into a forested area.
One day the girls decided to enter the forbidden deep woods. They were just about to turn back when Amy spotted a shack. It looked really spooky and dilapidated, as if it had been abandoned for many years. This must belong to our family Janice murmured as she courageously opened the creaky door. She grabbed Amy’s hand as they slowly entered the darkness within. While Janice opened the dusty curtains, Amy spotted a shrouded figure on the mantle of the fireplace. She gingerly picked it up and went to the door to unveil it. To Amy’s delight, it was a gorgeous rag doll!
She cuddled it close, and then called out to Janice. "Look what I found!" After much thought they named her Cindy and had a wonderful time playing with her inside the dusty shack. When it was time to go home, Janice and Amy had a fight. Although they had agreed to take turns bringing the doll home, they both wanted to be the first. They struggled over the rag doll pulling her this way and that way. Eventually, they tore her apart. “Oh no, the girls cried out in unison. What can we do now”?
Suddenly they heard a creaking sound. An old woman poked her head inside the open door, entered the cabin questioning them, “What are you girls doing all alone out here, and is this your doll”? Amy replied in a scared voice, “We-we found Cindy here and-and didn’t know who she really belonged to”. Janice interrupted, “It’s mine. This property belongs to my family and Amy has ruined her!”
“What is that you say? Ruined”? “Yes” Janice pouted, “She will never be the same again.” Amy asserted, “I’ll take her just the way she is and get Granny to sew her back together”.
“No Cindy will tell Granny that it’s hers, and then she’ll keep her."
The old lady was shocked at the girls' greed, dishonesty, and lack of obedience and trust. She suggested, “I’m pretty handy with a needle and thread. Why don’t I fix her and we’ll all meet here tomorrow? And bring someone a lot older with you!” The girls agreed.
The old lady worked on the torn rag doll all night long, and turned Cindy into a beautiful princess. The next day Amy ran to the cabin ahead of her cousins. She was overjoyed when she saw Cindy’s transformation. Amy gently held the doll her in her arms. “You’re safe now Cindy. I’ll never let anything bad happen to you ever again!”
Suddenly, an angel appeared where the old woman had stood: “Don’t be afraid. I have come to warn you that Cindy will only remain like this if she has someone to love and care for her. If anyone fights over her, she will disappear into thin air!” Janice went to claim her, but Amy backed away trying to protect Cindy. “Shall I divide her into two pieces and give half to each of you?” inquired the angel.
“Janice said solemnly, “Go ahead, do it.” But Amy cried out, “No, let Janice have her. I could never let that happen!” Janice went to take the doll, but the angel commanded, “Stop! I grant Amy the sole ownership of Cindy. She has shown her love by her willingness to give her up.” “But she’s mine” complained Janice. “You gave away your right to own Cindy when you consented to have her cut in two.” Then the angel vanished! Janice began to weep. Amy put her arm around her but was pushed away. “Janice, I’ll let you play with Cindy. I just wanted her in one piece! Will you please forgive me?” Janice looked surprised and happy. “Of course I will you silly goose. Will you forgive me? I was really mean to you.” Amy hugged her, whispering “yes”. They giggled, then walked back home arm-in-arm, taking turns holding Cindy, the beautiful princess doll.
They had both learned some valuable life lessons about faith, friendship, and forgiveness. I hope you have learned something too!
