The Season Fairy

There are some aspects of parenting for which we are never quite prepared. Our 6-year-old daughter's conviction that fairies will come and bring her magic was one of them. She left this note, taped to her window, for the fairies last week...


Translation: "Dear Fairies, May I please have magic please? To show me that I have magic bring a magic wand. Send a note back. Love, Bella"

Several nights went by and the fairies had not yet visited. She was not upset; rather she just assumed it was because they were soon changing shifts when summer arrived and was fully expecting their arrival during the night on summer solstice. Oh dear. What is a parent to do when neither fairies nor magical wands are likely to appear with the change of seasons? We talked about the magic of nature, of flowers blooming, of beautiful sunsets. We explained the fairies must be busy with these things but it was not buying us much time. Her resolve remained. Do we embellish this fantasy even though time and age may bring her disappointment? She was so full of hope and the image of her finding nothing when she checked her window on Sunday morning was too much for us to bear. So on Saturday Daddy ventured into town in search of a magic wand. That night a human-like fairy that looked a lot like Daddy tiptoed into her room to grant her request. Along with a wand, he left a note inscribed with these words...

Dear Bella,
This wand is for you. I hope you find it neat,
but the real magic, may not be where you think.
Shhh, let me tell you a secret.
What if I told you that you had it all along?
The most powerful magic is right in your heart.
In time you will learn of its power so be patient little one.
We are so proud of you!!
Love,
The Season Fairy

... It's alright to believe in a little magic now and then.