Mazzy E.

Pink Baby is the stuffed doll I cherish most. It was a baby gift to my mom. When I was about one-year-old, out of all the stuffed animals and dolls in my room, I chose Pink Baby to be my most special doll. From then on, we were inseparable. I carried her EVERYWHERE. To the dentist, in the car, to the grocery store. I even wrote a song about her that went something like, “Who's my sweet little baby? Pink Baby, Pink Baby!”

By the time I was about three, Pink Baby was worn and had holes in her legs. My mom performed leg surgery on Pink Baby. As I now know, this involved cutting off her legs entirely so my mom could sew new ones. I was so scared and worried for my precious doll, but my grandma sent me another doll so I could have something to cuddle with and be brave while Pink Baby was having her operation done.

After this, I still slept with her for a very long time, but didn’t take her as many places. Now, Pink Baby sits on my bed and will comfort me whenever I am in need. I don’t depend on her the way I used to, but she is still important to me. I cherish her because she will always be there for me. To cherish, to love, and to be comforted by.

This prize-winning story was submitted via a Civic Leadership Foundation project contest."  The Civic Leadership Foundation partners with schools and organizations in communities impacted by violence and poverty to teach young people critical lifelong leadership skills, preparing them for college, career, and positive engagement in their communities.  To learn more visit: https://www.civicleadershipfoundation.org