Gospel According to Prissy

by Barbara Casey

  Mary Magdalene was a little worse for wear. Only one eye opened and closed now; the other stayed in a permanent open position giving it a somewhat startled look. Her hair, once long, shimmering brown curls, was matted, straight and dull from having been brushed so much. And one arm protruded from its body in an unnatural angle from where it had been constantly held. But the doll was just as loved. Eventually, Prissy would outgrow Mary Magdalene and move on to other things. Miriam had noticed that already Prissy’s interests were starting to evolve to another level. Once she started to school, there would be no limit to what the child was capable of learning. If all worked out, Prissy would be able to channel her exceptional abilities to areas that would help her become a well-rounded, balanced person. Hopefully, she would learn how to use her abilities to achieve the most good for those around her.

  Miriam sighed, enjoying the soft breeze and quietness of the early September morning. She smiled at the synchronicity of it all. So much had happened in such a short period of time. And so many seemingly unrelated things were now connected. Up ahead she saw a young boy get out of a car with a man – his father probably. The boy struggled with a book bag that was obviously filled with books and other heavy school supplies. The father offered to carry it, but the boy refused. He wanted to carry it himself. Half carrying and half dragging the book bag, the boy entered the school. A young girl, probably eleven or twelve, skipped and danced past Miriam’s car, light and unhindered. She, too, entered the school building. More children started to arrive, each of them gifted in some special way, each starting their first day of school. Prissy would feel at home here.

  Tyree drove up in the bright yellow van and parked behind Miriam’s car. “Today’s the day,” he said smiling as he and Randall climbed out of the front seat while Beth, Jimmy, and finally Doc unloaded from the back.

  Miriam got out of her car and joined them. “Don’t forget, all of you are invited for supper Saturday. We have a lot to celebrate. I’m fixing that mean bean salad, and, Randall said he would bring his flute and cook the steaks.”

  Just then Lara pulled up. She got out of her car and waved. Then she reached in and helped six-year-old Prissy out onto the sidewalk along with her doll. A name tag hung around her neck tied with a red ribbon. On the tag was printed the name “Prissy Tilden Sheridan Kruger.”

  “So, this is the day Prissy starts to school.” Beth knelt down and hugged Prissy. Lara and Miriam smiled at each with affection and pride. Thanks to the efforts of Miriam, the school had agreed to take Prissy even though she was younger than most of their students. After her interview, they realized how truly special she was and that it would serve no useful purpose to delay her starting school.

  “See my new shoes?” Prissy said as she struggled to hold one foot up for them to see without falling. Then she held up her name tag. “See my name? And Mary Magdalene has a new dress.” She held the doll up by its crooked arm so they could see that as well.

  Everyone commented on the shoes and the name and the dress, except for Doc who simply smiled.

  “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it,” Prissy said glancing toward the building.

  It was time to go inside. One by one Prissy happily kissed her friends good bye, and then, holding Lara and Miriam by the hand, she skipped toward the entrance of Hope.

  * * *

  “Behold…the children the Lord hath given me are for signs and wonders…”

  Isaiah 8:18

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