Do you want to hear the story of how I got it?
Well, then, settle into this chair here, like Grandpa did before he went Home, and I’ll tell you all about it.
This story begins on our way from Kansas to New Mexico to visit Grandpa. He lived where Mommy grew up, in the magical land of Dinétah.
Now, I used to be a regular princess – the kind who wore big fancy ballgowns. I was wearing one of my favorites over my regular clothes as we loaded up to leave. This princess dress was yellow like the sun with diamonds and princess sparkles that reflected in the light and cast shimmery designs on the car’s ceiling. It wrinkled and crinkled against my seat beat. I squirmed to find a more comfortable position. I wished the dress was more comfortable and felt softer.
Mommy looked up from where she was buckling my 2-year-old sister, Zoe, in. “Lillian, you really don’t need to wear that dress on the drive. You can put it on when we get there.”
Spend hours without my princess dress? How could I be Princess Lillian without my princess dress? I shook my head. “It’s ok, Mommy. It isn’t too bad.” I scratched my arm where the sleeves touched skin.
Mommy settled into the front seat beside Daddy, and we were off. The drive was a long one, but I didn’t mind. It meant more time in my pretend world. I looked out my window and stepped into an enchanting world filled with twirling princess and brave knights.
We arrived at Grandpa’s house the next day. He lived at a mission where he taught people about God and helped anyone who needed something.
As soon as we stopped, I jumped out of the car and jumped into his arms with the most graceful of princess leaps.
Our laughter filled the sky and echoed across the canyons and mesas. “Hey, there my little Princess! Are you ready for another adventure?”
“Uh-huh! Where are we going today?”
Grandpa led me up our hill to the big tree where we played until they called us down for dinner.
We woke early the next morning to drive to the see the big parade. It was still dark when we arrived and set up our chairs along the side of the road.
At long last, the parade began. My favorite part was the beautiful ladies. They wore long flowy skirts that danced when as they walked. Some of them rode horses. Their shirts were colorful and shimmery; their silver jewelry and crowns sparkled in the sun.
I leaned over to Mommy. “Who are those ladies? They’re so beautiful!”
Mommy smiled. “They’re Navajo Princesses.”
“Can I be one?” Their dresses looked so soft. I stepped forward to take a closer look. And then took another step.
One of the princesses stopped and took my hand. “Yá'át'ééh, little one. What are you doing all the way out here?”
Out here? I returned to normal world. Yes, I was standing in the middle of the road. But a real live princess was talking to me! I reached out and touched her skirt, then her shirt. The material greeted my skin like a warm hug. “Can I be like you?”
The princess laughed. “Aoo’. And if Nimá says it’s ok, you can even walk with me in the parade. Would you like to do that?”
Mommy came over and the two talked. After Mommy gave her permission, the princess took off one of her bracelets and one of her necklaces. She put them on me and smiled. “Now you’re ready.”
We walked a long way, but I didn’t mind. I’d never been happier.
When the parade was over, Mommy promised to make me my own Navajo Princess dress.
It had been a long day. On the way back to Grandpa’s house, Zoe fell asleep. But I didn’t. Bits of the adult conversation floated back to me. Their voices sounded worried.
“There’s nothing else they can do?” asked Daddy.
Grandpa glanced back at me and lowered his voice, but I could still hear him. “Not anymore.”
“How long?” Mommy asked.
Grandpa whispered an answer, one I couldn’t hear. I wanted to ask what they were talking about, for it sounded important. But then we stopped, and the topic changed.
We climbed out of the car and I followed Mommy to the sewing room. By the end of the week, I had my very own Navajo Princess dress. The bright blues and greens matched the colors of the sky. It fell to my ankle where it bushed softly against my skin. From now on, I was Princess Lillian, a Navajo princess with a soft, comfortable, absolutely beautiful gown.
~ ~ ~ ~
Author, Jenny Fulton, will be gifting a an E-BOOK to one reader who leaves a comment below!
~ ~ ~ ~
My Story Title: Princess Lillian and Granpa's Goodbye
My Story Genre: Children's Picture Book
My Story Released: March 10, 2021
~ ~ ~ ~
The Author of My Story: Jenny Fulton
Jenny Fulton is a wife,
mother, children's book author, YA fantasy author, blogger, and freelance
writer with a B.S. in Bible, a B.S. in elementary education, and an endorsement
in K-12 ESL. After graduating from Grace University in 2007, Jenny worked as a
teacher in a variety of cultural and educational settings, both abroad and in
the United States. She is a storyteller, a follower of Christ, and a seeker of
truth.
An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Jenny grew up hearing stories from her
dad about the supernatural workings on the Navajo Reservation. Her days are now
mostly spent raising her three young daughters (homeschooling two of them) and
writing as much as time and opportunity allows.
~ ~ ~ ~
Get Connected:
- Website: https://heart-soul-mind.org/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/JennyFultonWriter
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennyannfulton/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorFulton
6 comments:
She sure talks a lot for a five year old ;)
Thank you for sharing!
I bought Jenny's book a few weeks ago and I highly recommend it to help children's understanding of death, heaven, and our Heavenly Father.
Natalya;
You evidently haven't met my grandson, Austin or his cousin, my granddaughter, Maya at 5 years old.
One-sided conversations took place when they came to Nana's house, because Nana could NOT get a word in beteen any of their sentences. lol
Thanks for your comment!
Blessings,
Becky;
That's really encouraging. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here about the story.
Blessings to you and yours,
A talkative 5 year old and her Grandpa will be a nice story to read to children. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations, Natalya Lakhno!
You have won an EBOOK copy of Princess Lillian and Grandpa's Goodbye.
Thank you for your comment!
Blessings.
Post a Comment