Raggedy Ann

I am curious: How many of you Boomer and Better readers have a Raggedy Ann doll displayed somewhere in your home?

As a girl, I always wanted a Raggedy Ann doll. One day in conversation with a good friend, I mentioned my great disappointment at never receiving one. We were sipping tea on a lazy afternoon together, chatting about growing older and the toys that were the great loves of our childhood, when I reluctantly admitted that I still thought the lovely red-headed Raggedy Ann was a treasure I wished I owned.

The following Christmas, I received a most uniquely shaped gift from my friend. Can you imagine my delight and surprise when I carefully untied the wads of wrapping tissue and discovered black button eyes staring up at me from Raggedy Ann’s face? True, her traditional apron was missing, and she had been given a minor hair trim (evidence that somebody had really loved her), but she was exactly what I always wanted. My wonderful friend had searched the antique shops and second-hand stores until she found the perfect, oldie-but-goodie, 25-inch original Raggedy Ann for me. I was pleased beyond measure. The red painted “I Love You” heart on Raggedy’s chest said it all.

That was ten years ago and my very own Raggedy Ann still holds a place of honor in my home. If you are wondering what prompted this little flight of reminiscence, it was this poem, which I recently read for the first time:

My Raggedy Ann
An unknown poet

We played together, Raggedy Ann,
as playmates often do.
I always shared my dreams
with nobody else but you.

Each night my prayers were whispered
with you snuggled by my side.
On stormy nights the thunder
made us cover up and hide.

Now your eyes have both grown weary
and your arm is slightly torn,
Your cuddly body is tattered,
and your nose is mashed and worn.

We did so much together Raggedy Ann,
the years, oh how they flew.
And I cherish every memory
of growing up with you.

By Gael Stuart
The Silver Sage Blog