Mrs. Smith

I remember Mrs. Donzella Smith, the caretaker with the soft voice, gentle ways, and kind heart that was at home for  Tyll and I when my Mother was at work.  She cooked and cleaned, but mostly I recall her expression and her face.  When her hand covered her face with a shy laugh, I knew she was pleased with what she saw.  When she frowned and shook a lowered head, I knew to stop what I was doing.  It was  with a gentle tone that she spoke, and  reported to Mother about how "good" we were, how imaginatively we played.

"They played with the empty boxes all day, and were so happy.  Your children are SO creative!"

Mrs. Smith was a positive soul, and showed us what hard work looked like.  She ironed, sewed, and cleaned.  I saw her decorate for Christmas.  I saw her prepare meals.  I played with my family of dolls while she worked.  She was joyful while she watched us play, and I loved having her around.

One Christmas I was very anxious, since the front upstairs living room was locked.   LOCKED, with tape over the keyhole!!!! Tyll even tried to look under the door, but we could not see anything, going in, or out. We were very curious what mom and Mrs. Smith might be planning.  Not knowing really killed us.

Christmas Eve we entered the secret room,but I only saw a magic doll village.  All my favorite dolls were in matching silk rosebud dresses, with bows and hats.  Elschen was in a beautiful bed with a pillow and coverlet, Heidi was in a new buggy sitting with Ginny on a silk blanket, the black and white Steif dogs on the ground waiting to be taken on a walk.  In a little high chair were two other dolls in matching outfits, and Gretl stood next to the baby bed with several other dolls in sweet rosebud outfits.  I do not know what else happened that holiday, what presents anyone else got, or where we went.  I was in my doll world, played with my dolls, and was happy.

 Mrs. Smith was the best Santa in the world!