Cookies Packed. Fairy Godmother on Her Way.
When I pack for Quincy, there are certain essentials: clothes, cookies, presents, and a willingness to play. Twice a year, I make the trip to visit my fairy goddaughters, whom I’ll call Sunshine and Sparkle. This fall, the journey took me through California farmland, orchards, and trees turning glorious shades of yellow and orange. I was on my way to people I love, and the scenery gave me plenty to appreciate along the way.
I Chose to Become a Fairy Godmother
Being a fairy godmother is the best job ever. I get to arrive with cookies, presents, and time to play, and see faces light up when I drive up. My nine-year-old fairy goddaughter, whom I’ll call Sparkle, even remembers my license plate number. She knows how to find her fairy godmother! I chose this lovely adventure nine years ago. It began with a surprise baby.
A secret at the lake
My friend and I attended Menlo College a year apart. We became close later, when we each served as president of the Alumni Association. Eventually, she began spending summers at her family’s house at Lake Almanor, and I would go up for visits. Two ladies having fun at the lake.
One summer, she asked me to meet her at the golf clubhouse instead of the house. When I arrived, she announced that she had a secret at home: a four-month-old granddaughter.
Well, what were we doing at the clubhouse? I wanted to meet that baby!
Back at the house, I held that beautiful little girl and fell in love. My college classmate’s daughter, Sparkle’s mother, whom I’ll call Sunshine, was raising her on her own, with my friend’s support. I thought another loving adult might be welcome. I had love to give, so I named myself her fairy godmother.
With great good fortune for me, they accepted me. Over the years, Sunshine and I have become good friends and confidantes, too. They’re both my fairy goddaughters now.
Cookies presents and happy dust
Twice a year, I head to Quincy: in spring after the snow melts and in fall before Halloween. I stay at the Feather Bed Inn, my favorite place, and spend the weekend with my girls. We hike, eat, laugh, play games, exchange presents, and sing silly songs.
I get to enjoy their excitement, affection, and adventurous spirits without carrying the everyday responsibilities of being a parent or grandparent. I can fly in, sprinkle happy dust all around, and fly out again, already looking forward to next time.
The love comes back in big hugs and smiles, thoughtful homemade presents, my favorite kind, and special treasures. As I write, I’m looking at an angel Sparkle painted for me last Christmas.
A catalog full of possibilities
Sparkle especially enjoys my October visit because I bring the Amazon Kids Gifts catalog. All those toys, and no prices! She carefully studies the pages and circles her choices before handing it back.
Last year, at eight, she circled twenty things. This year, at nine, she chose just three. I thought that was interesting. I’m watching her grow up in all sorts of little ways.
It takes me straight back to childhood, when the Sears Christmas catalog arrived and we took turns poring over the toy section, choosing what to put in our letters to Santa.
I’m not sure whether Sparkle still writes to Santa, but she certainly knows how to write to her fairy godmother. It works beautifully. She gets exactly what she wants, and I get the pleasure of knowing what will delight her.
The joy of coming back
This visit gave us spectacular golden trees, Apples to Apples in the park, and a Saturday soccer game. I brought Ranger cookies to share. At the game, another little girl, this one a five-year-old, gradually moved closer until she was sitting by my feet. When I offered her my lap, she nodded. An unexpected little friend was a wonderful bonus. I wonder if she would like a fairy godmother. Sign me up!
Sunday’s drive home through Feather River Canyon gave me more beauty to photograph, followed by a visit with another dear friend along the way.
I know other women who have chosen to become fairy godmothers. Some have no children or grandchildren; others simply have room for more love. With a family’s welcome, you can choose to become part of their lives.
I’m grateful my girls welcomed me into theirs. I get to watch Sparkle grow, be Sunshine’s friend, and share in their joy.
This fairy godmother will be back.
Find the Good and Say it Out Loud.
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