Caitlin's Wish

by Victoria Taylor

  Meanwhile Caitlin continued…

  “I know I really shouldn’t, but I can’t help feeling jealous when I watch the other children with their Dads on sports day. Most of them take it for granted that their fathers will be there; they don’t know how lucky they are.”

  Bethan gently put her arm around Caitlin’s shoulders to comfort her.

  “There, there sweetheart, have you been hiding your true feelings from everyone and putting on a brave face?”

  Caitlin nodded “Yes, apart from Rufus. He listens to me when he sits on my windowsill at night. I always tell Rufus everything, but I never thought he’d be able to help me. I’m still confused about all that.”

  “Don’t worry sweetheart, all will become clear in time. So what about Chris? Surely he would understand how you feel?” said Bethan.

  “Yes, I know he would, but I think Chris has accepted the way things are now, at least it seems that way. He is such a fantastic big brother and I know I’m really lucky to have him. He always looks after me. If I told him how I really felt, then he’d be so worried, and I don’t want that” explained Caitlin.

  “Well what about your Mum?”

  “My Mother works so hard looking after everyone and always puts us first. She tries to compensate for the fact that Daddy’s ill and she’d be so sad if I told her how I really feel. Oh Bethan I feel so confused, and guilty for having these feelings. I don’t want to feel this way.”

  “My dear child, your Mum wants you to tell her when you’re feeling sad. She’s always been honest with you, hasn’t she? Right from the beginning she explained how your lives would change, didn’t she?”

  Caitlin nodded her head as she sniffled “Yes, she has always done her best to explain things so that we would understand, and she’s never hidden anything from us.”

  “Caitlin, if you don’t tell her how you’re feeling then how can she help you?”

  “I know you’re right Bethan. I should have talked to my Mum, but I didn’t want to worry her” she said wiping her eyes.

  “Sweetheart, your Mum worries about you anyway. All parents worry about their children as you’ll find out one day when you have children. Your Mum wants to support you as much as she can” explained Bethan.

  “I just feel so confused” said Caitlin “I feel sorry for my Dad; being ill all the time must be so hard for him. He gets very grumpy sometimes and has no patience with me and my brother because he’s in so much pain. He always says sorry when he’s feeling a bit better, but it’s really difficult to live with. I hate seeing him in pain, I just feel so useless. I wish there was more I could do to stop him suffering, but there isn’t.”

  As Caitlin finished talking she could hear whispering and giggling behind her. She quickly looked around to see who it was, but there was no one there.

  “Did you hear that?” she asked.

  Bethan smiled and nodded her head.

  “Come with me” she said guiding Caitlin to the far side of the Healing tree.

  Caitlin couldn’t believe what she saw next. Standing in front of her were three of the fairies she’d seen by the stream earlier. Each one sparkled and glistened from head to toe, as if they were magically glowing.

  They smiled at Caitlin as they began to hum a tune that sounded familiar to her. She turned to Bethan “Oh I know that tune, my Mum used to sing that lullaby to me when I couldn’t sleep.”

  “I know sweetheart” said Bethan.

  As the fairies got closer and closer they began to dance around Caitlin’s feet as they sang the lullaby.

  The tune was the same but the words were different….

  “Do not cry, do not sigh, our sweet little Caitlin.

  You are here in Fairyland to be healed by one and all.

  We will help you to see all the good in your life.

  You are strong, you are brave and you’re LOVED Caitlin dear.”

  (Sung to Brahms Lullaby)

  Bethan glanced over at Caitlin. The tears were rolling down her face, but there was a radiant beaming smile from ear to ear. It was obvious to everyone that she felt overwhelmed by their kindness.

  “Oh thank you! That was so beautiful” she said clapping her hands.

  The fairies walked over to Caitlin, each giving her a magical woodland flower.

  The lilac fairy gave her a lilac flower, so perfect and delicate with tiny silver sparkles that shimmered on each petal. The pink fairy gave her a bright pink flower which looked like a rose and smelled divine. Finally the yellow fairy gave Caitlin the prettiest yellow primrose in the shape of a star and whispered

  “You are more perfect than all these flowers. You are strong of mind, kind of heart, clever and wise. You’re beautiful both inside and out. Please remember all that you learn today and know that we all love you, precious Caitlin!”

  Bethan explained “Because you have opened your heart to me the healing has already started. Did you feel a warm glow inside when the fairies were singing to you?”

  “Yes I did” said Caitlin. “It must have been the sun, it’s so warm here.”

  “No dear” smiled Bethan “that was the Healing Tree sending its healing energy to you. As we sit here and talk, it will continue to heal you.”

  “Wow! Really?”

  “Yes Caitlin. The Healing Tree wants you to be happy again. Now I want you to think happy thoughts about your Dad.”

  “OK, I’ll try. Dad takes us out on bike rides when he feels well enough, it isn’t very often but at least he makes the effort to take us when he can. Very often he has to go back to bed after the bike ride because he’s so tired but he always tells us not to worry, that it was worth it to spend time with us.

  Oh I know, we go for little walks in the woodlands near our cottage, which I really enjoy. They aren’t like the big adventures that we used to have together, but they’re still lots of fun.

  Dad used to be a teacher and he helps me with my homework when I get stuck. He explains things so well to me; he is a good teacher.

  He has time to listen to us and he encourages us in whatever we’re doing.

  Even when Dad’s ill, he always tells me that I’m his little princess. I know that he loves me and he always gives me lots of hugs and kisses. I love my Daddy so much; I hate him being poorly.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Positive Lessons.

  Bethan sat down beside Caitlin and explained,

  “Now that your Dad’s life has changed he has got lots of time to spend with you and your brother. He couldn’t do that when he was working away during the week, could he? He may not be able to do all the things that he could do before, but that’s not his fault. He spends quality time with you whenever he feels well enough. He does as much as he can, Caitlin. He probably feels really guilty that he can’t be like the other Dads. Did you ever think of it that way? Your Dad didn’t ask for this illness, he doesn’t want life to change any more than you do, but he’s realised that he has to make the best of a bad situation because there’s absolutely nothing he can do to change it. Try to remember that every cloud has a silver lining; you just have to look for it. Always hang onto hope, no matter how gloomy things may seem. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”

  “I think so” replied Caitlin. “You’re telling me that I should try and make the best of the situation. I should think of what my Dad can do, instead of dwelling on what he can’t do anymore. Is that right?”

  “Absolutely!” said Bethan putting her arms around Caitlin and hugging her tightly. “You need to focus on what Daddy CAN do now. Think of what is possible on the bad days; even if it’s just sitting down quietly with him for 5 minutes and reminding him how much you love him. That would mean the world to him. Tell him about your day; help him to feel a part of your world even when he feels too poorly to be properly involved. You need to step back and think about all the little things in life that pass us by, but if we stop to appreciate them, they make life so much sweeter.

  I am so proud of you Caitli
n. Now I’m going to teach you a way of staying positive when you start to feel angry or sad, OK?”

  “OK” agreed Caitlin.

  “This may sound a little strange so I want you to try it with me now. Shut your eyes and picture the journey we made to the Healing tree.”

  Caitlin shuffled herself to get comfortable before shutting her eyes and remembering the wonderful evening she’d just had.

  “When you can picture yourself sitting underneath the tree, I want you to remember what the fairies told you. Concentrate carefully on these words.You are strong of mind, kind of heart, clever and wise, beautiful both inside and out.”

  As Bethan spoke a warm wind circled the Healing Tree gently blowing Caitlin’s hair.

  “Now how do you feel Caitlin?” asked Bethan.

  “Calm” replied Caitlin.

  “Remember what you’ve learned here sweetheart and in the future when you’re feeling upset say to yourself, Let it be. It’s no-one’s fault. Let it be.”

  Caitlin opened her eyes in amazement. “Wow, Bethan that really works! I feel so different now. I have hope again and I don’t feel sad at all anymore; I feel so happy. Thank you!”

  “Just remember what you have learned about being positive sweetheart, and remember that if you let other people know how you feel then they can help you as well.”

  “Do you mean my Mum?” asked Caitlin.

  “Yes, but other people in your life as well” replied Bethan. “Don’t be afraid to show your emotions and let others know how you’re feeling. I think you’ll be surprised by how many people care about you!”

  “Who?” asked Caitlin.

  “Your family, friends and schoolteachers; they all want to help you. They’ll guide you and support you, if only you’ll let them in! Your life may be different from other people’s lives; but you can still have a happy life. Most importantly remember that you’re never alone! There’s always someone to turn to!”

  “Thank you so much” said Caitlin putting her arms around Bethan and hugging her tightly.

  “I understand now. Thank you for helping me see things differently; I can see that I was being silly trying to hide how I felt. It just made me miserable all the time. Thank you for helping me.”

  While Caitlin had been talking the fairy folk had been gathering around the Healing tree, behind her just out of sight. They listened intently as she spoke to Bethan, each smiling and nodding their heads knowingly. Some had tears in their eyes, tears of joy and relief that they’d been able to help Caitlin somehow.

  Bethan put her hand on Caitlin’s shoulder and gently turned her around so she could see the gathering behind her. One by one the fairy folk came up to her to give her a hug. They were genuinely happy for Caitlin as they knew her life would change its course from now on. From this moment onwards she wouldn’t be that sad little girl anymore despite her circumstances, she had learned how to look at the situation from a new perspective.

  “You’ve all been so kind to me” said Caitlin. “Until tonight I didn’t even believe in fairies…and look at me now! Daddy told me that fairies were real and I should have listened to him instead of thinking I knew better. I will never ever forget this night as long as I live! Thank you all so much; you have been amazing! I don’t know how you did it, but I don’t feel sad anymore. Now I know that I have the power within me to be happy, I promise I’ll try to stay positive from now on.”

  One by one the fairy folk started to clap until everyone was clapping and cheering for Caitlin.

  “Hooray” they cheered as they began dancing and spinning her around till she felt dizzy.

  “Ooh you’re all spinning a bit too much” said Caitlin laughing “I think I’ll have to sit down for a minute.”

  Bethan took Caitlin’s hand and gently sat her down as the fairy folk came and sat beside her. “We’re so pleased we could help you” they said.

  Bethan continued “You’ll do well in life if you remember what you’ve learned and always stay positive, no matter what life may bring. Remember you are never alone. You can always call on us for help and guidance.

  Remember – When you’re down to nothing, God is up to something! It’s at times like these that one of the Angels will be sent to help you. We can only bring children to Fairyland though, when you’re a grown up the Angels will guide you in other ways. We are always there whenever someone is in need but you may not always realise you have an Angel helping you. Angels are all around us, it might be someone you know or someone who comes into your life just at a time when you need support and leaves when you no longer need them. Just know that we are watching over you and guiding you.”

  “Wow! That’s amazing! Thank you! How can I ever repay you?” asked Caitlin.

  “Happiness is all the payment we need. You are such a wonderful child with so many beautiful qualities; don’t ever change, not for anyone! Always stay true to yourself. Be yourself and most importantly be happy!” said Bethan.

  At last Caitlin was happy. She stretched her arms and yawned. “Oh Bethan, I don’t know why but I feel so tired. Can I just have a little ….”

  Before she could finish talking a swirling lilac mist circled the tree in front of her. As the mist cleared it revealed a magical little bed nestled at the foot of the tree. It was just the right size for Caitlin. Its pillow was made out of soft feathers, with a snugly blanket which seemed to be made from leaves woven together. It looked too inviting for Caitlin to resist.

  She walked over to the bed, hardly able to keep her eyes open.

  As she climbed into the bed the three fairies began to sing to her again….

  “Go to sleep, go to sleep,

  Our sweet little Caitlin,

  Don’t forget us when you wake,

  We are always here for you.

  We have helped you to see all the good in your life,

  You are strong, you are brave,

  And you’re loved Caitlin, dear!”

  (Sung to Brahms lullaby)

  As they sang her eyes became heavier and heavier, until she couldn’t keep them open any longer and she drifted into a peaceful sleep. As she dreamed the swirling lilac mist reappeared surrounding her.

  Bethan said goodbye to all the fairy folk before gently lifting Caitlin from the bed. As she did the lilac mist began swirling around them both until it lifted them into the air, carrying them safely away from Fairyland, through the starlit night and back to Caitlin’s home.

  Caitlin remained fast asleep unaware of the fact that she was home again. Bethan carefully placed her back into her own bed, tucked her in snugly and kissed her on the forehead.

  “Goodnight sweet Princess” she whispered before vanishing in the blink of an eye. Just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone.

  CHAPTER EIGHT.

  Happiness.

  As dawn broke and the morning sun glinted through the curtains it woke Caitlin from her deep sleep. She sat up in bed, shook her head and rubbed her eyes.

  “Did that really happen?” she wondered.

  She didn’t know for sure, after all most of her bedtime stories were about Fairies, Pixies and a magical place called Fairyland. So maybe it was all just a dream, or was it?

  As she sat there she noticed something very strange. She was dirty! How could that be?

  “I had a bath last night” she thought to herself. She climbed out of bed and walked over to the mirror. She was shocked by the reflection that greeted her.

  She was wearing a crown! It was made out of ivy and woodland flowers; identical to the ones she’d seen in her dream. Her hair was tangled and matted with leaves in it; her nightdress was covered in dirt, moss and twigs. She looked as if she’d been sitting underneath…a tree!

  “It WAS real!” she squealed jumping up and down. She was so excited she felt as if she would burst. She had been to Fairyland. Bethan was real after all, imagine that! An Angel took her to Fairyland! She felt a warm glow inside; an inner peace. She wasn’t that sad little girl anymore. �
�Today is a new beginning” she said to herself. “From now on things are going to be different; I’m going to stay positive no matter what happens!”

  She wanted to shout out loud from the rooftops for all to hear “I’ve been to Fairyland!”

  Then she thought “who on earth is going to believe me?”

  She decided to go and get herself a glass of water. She needed time to think how she was going to approach this.

  Unbeknown to Caitlin, Rufus was sitting on the kitchen windowsill waiting for her. He knew all about her trip to Fairyland; after all he had been the one who’d asked for their help. Something had changed overnight though; from now on their little chats would be very different. Caitlin was about to learn how her visit to Fairyland would change her life forever.

  As she walked across the kitchen the morning light gently streamed through the kitchen window creating a magical golden glow across the room.

  “Good morning Caitlin. How are you today? You’re up early, did you sleep well?” said Rufus chuckling to himself. He knew she’d hardly slept a wink!

  Caitlin spun around to look behind her; no-one was there of course. She shook her head in disbelief.

  “I’m hearing things” she said.

  “Oh no you’re not. Look over here by the window. It’s me; Rufus!”

  “Hello Rufus” she said automatically before realising what she’d done.

  “Hang on a minute. This is silly! You’re a robin! You can’t talk!”

  “Oh yes I can! I always could but you couldn’t understand me. Only special children who have been to Fairyland can understand the animals and birds.”

  “Wait a minute, how do you know that I visited Fairyland last night?”

  “Well if you hadn’t been to Fairyland you wouldn’t be able to understand me, would you? I just told you that!”

  Caitlin laughed “Oh yes, so you did! OK you win.”

  “I don’t know what to do Rufus, should I tell my Mum about it all? What if she thinks I’ve gone mad? Maybe she won’t believe me.”