One of my first memories as a child was meeting Teddy, my Fairy Godmother.  In actuality she is my Godmother.  Somehow my childish brain confused my bedtime stories with this sweet, loving woman who in many ways was bigger than life.

As a child I saw her on rare occasions, which helped to keep the Fairy Godmother fantasy alive.  When I was an annoying thirteen, we moved nearer to Teddy’s house and I learned how magical Teddy really is.

Teddy has five children, but every kid in the neighborhood, including myself, wanted to be hers.  She could sew anything from a velvet mini skirt for my birthday (one of my personal favs) to a sparkly mermaid tail I wore one Halloween.

She didn’t just bake chocolate chip cookies (my addiction).  She made pinwheel cookies.  Now for those of you who don’t live near Teddy, these cookies have melted chocolate chips radiating out in a spiral.  Using her recipe, I once tried to make these and ended up with a hardened chocolate mess that I had to eat using a hammer and chisel.

But most magical of all are her hugs.  She wraps her arms around you and you feel safe.  You feel that one person cares about you and will protect you against the world.  And this makes you feel strong.  Crazy, right?  No, it’s Teddy’s magic.

I’ve known Teddy my whole life and I’ve never heard her speak a harsh word to anyone.  Lately, she has been plagued with health issues so I’m asking for you to send your hugs, your prayers, your magic her way.  The world needs more Fairy Godmothers.

Teddy, we love you.