(Sabrina’s Story)
By Lizette and Alan Biel - Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Once upon a time we had a happy, vibrant little girl. A natural-born leader, she made friends easily and was always surrounded by three or four other little ones. She never met a tree that couldn’t be climbed, and was in complete control of her world. She loved both of us unreservedly and reveled in the time she spent with us, but grandpa was her buddy. With both of us working, her grandfather came to live with us to care for her. Grandpa became her first best friend. They spent their days exploring; combing the nearby forest for flowers and wild onions, rocks, and bird feathers. Together they filled birdfeeders, planted tomatoes, measured rainwater, watched the weather and cooking shows and fed ducks at the city pond. When she wanted to fly a kite but there wasn’t enough wind, grandpa bought a huge helium balloon and tied it on her kite string. She was delighted as she ran around flying her “kite”.
Her first time in the ocean, she came up sputtering and demanded to know who put all that salt in the water! She was brimming with self-confidence. At the end of her first ballet recital, as everyone else was leaving the stage, she walked back and took an extra bow! Despite a tendency toward initial shyness, her natural presence was so strong, she took third place in the International Miss Cinderella pageant when she was three. Having no background or training in pageants, she captivated the judges with her natural confidence and sparkling smile.
A year later, while living in a small village on a Caribbean island, she heard the older kids talking about the upcoming annual “Run Up The Mountain” and wanted to join in. She was a curious child, observant, playful and possessed a stubborn streak. Honestly, we’ve seen rocks with more give than Sabrina! This tenacity served her well when she set a goal for herself. She decided to participate in the run up the mountain and did just that. She was the youngest participant and last to finish but she had proven herself to be part of the village culture.
Ten years later, it’s hard to find the spirit of that little girl. She’s scared of the world, and too afraid to make new friends. She spends most of her time alone; movies are her best friends. Sometimes, when it’s just the three of us, we get glimpses of the spirit of that little girl. Our most fervent wish is for her
