Masie Moppett

Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/

A simple lamb, placed in the same spot every year, hung on the Christmas tree before any other glass ornament. Made of delicate cardboard and cotton wadding puffs, Sarah gently took it out of its box. The childhood memory of sitting with her dad to create her first bauble never left her.

When the visage crumbled, her mum created a new face, one that could be strong enough to last. With needle and thread, she sewed a smile so bright; it reminded her to be happy, even when she was lost and alone.

‘What’s his name, Mummy?’ Tessa asked.

Sarah grinned and lifted it out of its special box. ‘Masie Moppett, she has wandered in from the cold, and is watching over baby Jesus.’

‘I love her. She is so pretty, but she is missing a bit of her fleece.’

‘That’s okay,’ Sarah said, removing a matchbox from her collection. ‘Do you want to help put some more on? You are three, and a big girl now.’

With the support of some glue, love, and hope, its wool puffed out.

Two hands reached to the branches, and Masie was home once more.