My mother always encouraged me to develop myself in every way. In the story, she suggests that Karen walk to the Santa Monica Pier and ride the horses on the carousel. It was at the pier that magic entered the little girl’s life.

Scene 6: Mama Suggests a Journey

One evening after dinner, Karen’s Mama winked at her and said, “Why don’t you walk to the pier and see the pretty horses sometime? There are lots of them at the carousel, Krana Layala.”

Karen looked up at Mama, too surprised to speak for a moment.

“You mean you’ll let me go like other children? You’ll give me a chance? You’ll really let me go?”

“Of course I’ll let you go, sweetheart.” Mama said. “I can’t overprotect you forever. The time has come to let you grow and learn from your own experiences.”

“It sounds like lots of fun, going to the carousel. I’d love to go on the merry-go-round like everyone else, but aren’t the horses too wild for me, Mama?”

“No, Karen. They’re lots of fun! I thought you might enjoy going for a walk to the pier. It’s close to the house, and it’s not too far for you. It would be wonderful going to the big carousel with its fine horses, especially after all the exciting stories you’ve been reading. Just promise me that you’ll get someone to help you onto the horses. Otherwise, you’ll make your Mama worry, and you don’t want to do that, do you, Kitten?”

“Okay, Mama. I’m sure they’ll have a helper there! I’ll try pulling myself up by my own strength, but if I can’t, I promise to ask for help. After I’m up on the horse’s back, I’ll hang onto its mane with my right hand. It shouldn’t be too difficult. I’ll do the best I can, and I’m sure that will be good enough.”

“I’m happy to hear you talk like this. You’re developing self-confidence, and you’re making me proud. You keep on shooting for the stars!”

They smiled into each other’s eyes. Kitten felt something she had never felt before.

“Thank you, Mama, for the compliment. It makes me feel really good to know that you are truly on my side and in my corner. Now, with a new understanding in my heart, I’ll get ready for my bed and bath.”

#cerebralpalsy #inspirational #carousels #horses

©2020, Karen Lynn-Chlup. All rights reserved.