LISA'S ADVENTURES : When Reading Changed her Attitude

“Oh no, I am so small, I only wish I had strong legs to win the marathon,” said Lisa. Like always, Lisa’s height was disappointing her again. Why hadn’t God made her a giant at least? People were always mocking Lisa About her height! Being short, she believed that there was less she could ever achieve. “Fred was right, maybe dwarfs like me can’t do anything developmental,” Lisa sobbed. Though Lisa’s parents appreciated her beauty, she knew that something was missing. Obviously, she would never become a beauty queen, yet it was her early childhood dream! Her age mates rarely played with her, they considered Lisa to be younger than them. She had to always, live with nick names like, “shorty, pigmy, Congolese….” Doubtlessly, Lisa knew that she would never be successful in her entire life, unless God made her taller. “Read this, it’s totally interesting,” said Lisa’s dad. Lisa skipped with joy, it was a little book entitled “Thumbelina.” How she loved reading! “Thumbelina was as little as the thumb, that’s why she was named Thumbelina..,” she read out loud. As Lisa continued reading, she discovered that Thumbelina was even smaller than her. Thumbelina was neglected by her family, they never gave her cloths to wear and she slept alone in the cold, just because she was little. “At least my parents love me,” said Lisa.Well, Thumbelina would be given a bowel of soup, but she could end up drowning in it! Her brothers would often sit on her because she was almost invisible! To cut the long story short, Thumbelina’s mother consulted a spiritualist about her daughter’s size. “God created Thumbelina this way for a reason. She will be so great and famous soon,” the spiritualist said. Finally, little Thumbelina was given a magic stick and little wings; she would reach out to the helpless and needy. Thumbelina was there to offer Christmas gifts to kids with no families. She would hit her magic stick on the ground and gifts would appear. “This means I can be helpful and famous too,” said Lisa. Looking around for her talents, Lisa discovered that she was actually far more intelligent and sociable than many other kids her age. Thumbelina had inspired Lisa; she was not to give up anymore. “All I need is confidence in everything. I will be the best Doctor and save lives,” said Lisa. Whenever Lisa goes to bed, she says a little prayer: “God, help me be the Thumbelina of this generation.” lillianean@yahoo.com