A Little Child Shall Lead
submitted by: Terry Cannon
written by: Carol Sanborn

"Dear Santa," said the letter that was slowly being read, "I seem to have a lot of time to think... while I'm in bed; And so I thought I'd write to you, as I do every year; I hope you're well and happy now that Christmas is so near. It won't be very long until you'll soon be on your way To leave the presents that will make a happy Christmas Day. Now if you think that I was good, and goodness knows I've tried... I have a small suggestion, though I know you must decide. I've heard about the shortages the world is facing now... But if we all would share a bit it might just help somehow. So Santa, if you should be short of Christmas dolls this year, I thought I'd say my last year's doll is precious and is dear; And really, since she's almost new, it has occurred to me You really wouldn't have to leave a new one 'Neath the tree. Instead, perhaps, you just might leave a doll for Mary Dove, Who's also in the children's ward and needs a doll to love. She says her parents told her that with all their bills to pay, That they'd be lucky just to buy the food for Christmas Day! So please, dear Santa, don't forget to stop for Mary too; And then she'll have a doll or toy and she won't feel so blue. I'm tired now, but Santa dear, I have not finished yet. Tomorrow I'll continue so my nurse won't be upset." But the letter, still unfinished, ne'er reached old Santa's hand... The young girls parents found it on her little bedside stand. With dampened eyes they packed it with their daughter's other things; But somehow, this poignant letter helped soothe away death's sting. Then just before the parents left, they stopped a nurse to say Please give this doll to Mary Dove, from Santa... Christmas Day! And should there be another child that Santa might pass by Please let us know, so we can add to Santa's short supply! The nurses who'd seen the letter said God bless you for this deed... In life and death your daughter proved A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD.....
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