I am such a sentimental soul. When my children were growing up, I always wanted to have a doll made that looked like each of them so that I could always remember how they looked as a baby. I even kept one of their original baby outfits to put on the doll. Unfortunately, life got in the way and that never happened.
Fast forward sixteen years and my oldest daughter made me a Gigi by delivering a gorgeous baby boy. I was certain I could surely find a doll that looked like him… and I did! The doll had gorgeous blue eyes and light brown hair. Amazingly, It’s chubby little lips looked exactly like my grandson’s lips! Oh, I had big dreams for sure. I was even gonna get an outfit monogrammed with my grandson’s name to fit my new look alike doll. Yes, I knew I would cherish it forever! I didn’t even feel guilty for ordering this doll because I had decided it would be a Christmas gift to myself. I reasoned that I had never given myself a gift for Christmas…that I could remember.
However, Christmas came, but the doll didn’t arrive in time. Looking back at the order date, I happened to notice the doll probably had a bit more hair than my grandson did at that size. Therefore, I sent an email asking if they could just add a little less hair. I mean, it WAS supposed to be handmade, right? Unfortunately, I knew that I was in trouble when I received the following reply (honest to God), “You cut doll hair you self.”
Today, my youngest daughter brought in the mail. She asked, “Did someone order a doll?” I shamelessly admitted that I did and explained why. She cackled and handed me the box. Obviously, she had peeked inside. I reluctantly opened the box and peeped in. The first thing I saw was a set of bare legs…not attached to the doll. Imagine, if you will, what a young child would have thought as they opened their Christmas baby doll and found unattached legs outside the doll clothing! I pulled the legs out one by one. Then, I reached in to take out a red-headed, green eyed doll with thin lips!!!! This wasn’t my grandbaby at all!!! It was an Irish baby from China! Fortunately, the rest of the MALE doll was well dressed.
Needless to say, we laughed until we cried! It was then and there when I decided that there would never be a doll that could take the place of my babies. I will have to cherish and enjoy each childhood during the brief time period in which they occur. No more mail order babies for me!
As for the doll, I named him Finn, a common Irish name. Finn will stay in the grandbaby’s crib at my house until someone comes along who will appreciate him for what he is.
I’d like to add, I received three other late Christmas presents for various family members. They were all exactly what I expected. They were from reputable companies that I have done business with before. No doubt, if the good Lord’s willing to let me see next Christmas, I’ll shop with them again. As for the company that created Finn, no they won’t hear from me again.
Day after day, strangers look at us to see Jesus within us. When we don’t present ourselves in the manner that Christ would have us to, Non-Christians get a distorted view of Christianity. Yes, our words and actions can be a matter of life and death for those who look for the light in this dark world.
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
I John 2:6
