Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Question (05/24/12)
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TITLE: Clara's Prayers | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki J. Cypcar
05/30/12 -
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Today was a terrible day. When I was walking Sally to class I overheard Mrs. Meriwether call us the poor Webster girls. I don’t feel poor God. I mean I do have that stupid hole in the sole of my boot and my foot gets soaked when we walk in the snow - but I really don’t care. Amen.
Dear God,
Sally is sick with fever and a sore throat. When I got her home I helped her get into her pajamas and made her some cocoa. Mama has told her that she is too old to suck her thumb – but today I let her do it anyway because she is sick. Amen.
Dear God,
Sally is feeling better. When we got home I asked her if she had homework. She was supposed to write a letter to Santa. Sally hates Santa because even though she does her chores and is nice to Lucinda Miller even after she breaks her crayons by coloring too hard Santa doesn’t come. Then she scribbled with a red crayon, “Why don’t we get any Christmas?” I want to be a good big sister but I didn’t know what to say – I am only nine years old God. Amen.
Dear God,
Last night I was dumb and left Sally’s letter on the table and Mama found it when she got home from working at The Blue Plate Diner. When I went to bed Mama was still in her rocking chair crying. When I see Daddy’s rocking chair sitting empty I want to cry too. Amen.
Dear God,
Today we had play practice. I really wanted to be an angel because you get to wear a garland halo and glittery wings – but Mrs. Meriwether made me a shepherd and Sally a sheep. She says Sally can’t have a speaking or singing part because she is always sucking her thumb. I hope Mama doesn’t find that out. Amen.
Dear God,
Today I told my teacher Miss Meyers that I really want to be an angel but Mrs. Meriwether said no. Miss Meyers told me that even though I am a shepherd I have the voice of an angel - that made me feel better. Sally wants to be Mary – but I know that won’t happen - Ashley Meriwether is Mary. Amen.
Dear God,
Today after play practice Miss Meyers gave us the apples that Ashley gave her. She says we are a breath of fresh air. I don’t really know what that means but she always smiles when she says it. Anyway, after that Sally got upset – again. This time the baby Jesus doll was left naked in the manger. I wrapped him in my scarf. Sally didn’t think it was right to leave him alone in the dark - so Miss Meyers let us bring him home.
Dear God,
Last night I had a dream that Daddy was back. We were walking to church and he was carrying Sally the way he used to. I really miss Daddy and I really miss church. Amen.
Dear God,
Tonight was the play. Mama cried happy tears when she saw me singing, “Away in a Manger.” Sally did good and looked cute in her lamb costume with black fleece ears; but then she decided to go take the baby Jesus out of the manger. Ashley screamed at the top of her lungs and grabbed the baby Jesus doll by the legs but Sally kicked her in the shin. People were laughing so I guess it was okay. After the play I saw Mama talking with Miss Meyers for a long time so I figured Sally was in big trouble, but then Miss Meyers handed Mama two presents. Amen.
Dear God,
Today is Christmas. Sally jumped on my bed before sunrise and we ran downstairs. Mama was holding a tray of cocoa and smiling. Sally shrieked when she saw presents under the tree. I got a new pair of boots, and Sally got the baby Jesus doll. Sally yelled, “Christmas is here Mama!” Then she accidentally peed in her pants. Later when we were walking to church Mama told us she is the new school secretary, so now we will be able to see her a lot more. Church had so many candles and flowers it looked just like heaven.
P.S. Sally didn’t suck her thumb all day. Please tell Daddy I think we are going to be okay. Amen.
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The old real red ink is that it might be a tad week on topic. Though I can see the mother wondering why her husband was gone and the girls as well it wasn't truly based on question.
Sometimes you just need to writer what God places on your heart. The main reason I want to mention having a hard time seeing the topic is because if perchance this piece doesn't rank as high as I think it should the reason would be because the judges rated it lower in how well does it fit the topic category. For me personally it is one of my all time favorites.
The ending was perfect. You brought the story full circle and left the reader with hope. Awesome writing. (Oh yeah I laughed out loud at the mental picture of the girls fighting over baby Jesus. How blessed we all are that there is enough Jesus for everyone. I think that too is just another sweet and clever message in this brilliant piece.