Where is the Angel?

My purpose in writing this entry is threefold. First, I wanted to commemorate my Mother-In-Law through storytelling. As Walter Wangerin says, "Tell stories. It is the fullness of witness."Secondly, I wanted to express my own grief through a story told from a 10-year-old doll-child's innocent perspective. Last, I wanted to share elements of the protocols of a Southern United States funeral. I hope you enjoy my story.

Where is the Angel?

by Julia Chitori

Me and Mama and Daddy and the Boiz all went to Granny's house again. I wanted to see her and I wanted to see my special Angel from Christmas. Remember, I told the Angel to watch over Granny while I was away. I couldn't believe it. The Angel was gone.

Where is the Angel?

I looked under the bed. Not there. Not in the dryer. No Angel. It wasn't in the tub either.

Time for bed and I didn't sleep very well. I was worried. Granny had gone missing too.

The next day we went to a big beautiful house. I sat in the parlor and felt very, very alone.

After a little while, we went into a nice room with flowers and pews and the preacher was there. I didn't understand everything he said, only some of it. About Jesus and Heaven and Granny. I snuggled next to my Aunt Jo and she had kleenex in her hand. But she smiled at me a little. I was too short to see into the pretty wooden box.

When the preacher finished, we all drove to a nice garden with lots of flowers. Daddy, the Boiz and Second Cousin Delmon carried the big box to the tent.

The box was beautiful with a blanket of red roses and white lilies on top. The preacher said a few more words and then we left to go eat at the First Baptist Church.

After dinner, we all went back to Granny's house. I went outside and sat beside my favorite tree. I was so sad. Not only was the Angel missing, but Granny as well. Where was she?

Where was my Angel?

Mama came outside to find me and saw me crying. She held me and told me this." My darling doll child, Granny is gone. Her stringing broke and no one on earth could fix her. Only God could make her well. The Angel took her hand when it was time to leave this earth, and led her to God's house. Jesus is there and He has already fixed her. She doesn't hurt anymore, she is restrung and all her stuffing is fresh, clean and new. And ...now she can dance! In fact, I think she is singing and dancing already."

"Oh, Mama, is it true? Oh, oh, oh. I finally understand," I said. I hugged Mama and then I looked up, because, you know, Heaven must be beyond the sky and stars.

It might have been a cloud and some sunshine, but I think maybe I saw my Angel wink at me.

Goodbye Angel. Take good care of Granny while I'm not there.

Thank you Lord Jesus, for Granny and Angels.

Julia Makes a New Friend

Yesterday a package arrived at my house. Mama and I had to wait until our friend arrived to open it. I helped.

Inside the brown box was a silver box. Inside the silver box were lots of pieces that looked sortof familiar.

Mama and her friend, Mr. Rick, cut string and fastened S-hooks and did all sorts of doll surgery. Daddy helped some, too. But mostly Daddy shook his head and laughed.

.

Mr. Rick checked the new doll's stringing to make sure it was nice and tight.Then he painted her face. I gave her some of my clothes to wear because she was cold. Then, she traded the eyes that came in her box with my old ones.

Usually when people say they make a new friend, it means that they met someone new. Well, I actually got to MAKE my new friend. Ha.

Her name is Sharmain O'Manyon. Here is a picture of us together. We are Best Friends Forever and besides that, now I have my own baby blue eyes!! Sharmain went home with her Dad to live but I will see her a lot because her Dad is friends with my Mama and Daddy.

Sharmain is a MSD Mika with my old cobalt blue eyes and a new camel one-braid wig. She has freckles, too. Her Daddy is going to buy her some green eyes and then she will be happier.