Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday for those who have lost someone close to them…especially a child. Since our daughter died in late September 2009, that first Thanksgiving was almost impossible. I was horrified at the idea that there was ANYTHING I could have possibly been thankful for? In the three years since, with the pain of losing her having softened a bit, I know that I have A LOT to be thankful for. One of the things I am most thankful for are my wonderful memories of Margareta and the joy she brought to our lives. I’ll share one with you…

One year, we decided to take advantage of the week-long Thanksgiving break from school, and treat the kids to a visit to Disneyland and Southern California. Our boys were ages eight, seven, and six, and our daughter, Margareta, had just turned three a few months before. The first day of vacation, we spent at Universal Studios. We stayed there that night and then drove to Disneyland early the next morning. After a full, fun-filled day with Mickey and the gang, we drove to our hotel to check in and crash for the night. When we arrived at the hotel, we checked in and made a beeline to our room. We took with us only necessities – clothes and toiletries; leaving all the kids’ toys in the car.

Once in the hotel suite, the boys plopped down on the couch and we turned on cartoons for them, and then we collapsed onto the bed in the next room. Margareta had no interest in cartoons or the football game Dad was watching. Exhausted, I begged her to go play with her brothers so I could rest a few moments before getting her evening bath ready.

Before I continue the story, I need to give you some background information. In the months before that trip, Margareta had become enamored with putting her dolls and stuffed animals to bed. This entailed laying them on the floor, covering them with a small receiving blanket, singing them a lullaby and then kissing them goodnight. She would do this anywhere it suited her – often leaving them in the middle of the hallway or living room.

Now… back to the hotel room in Anaheim.

I lay on the bed with my eyes closed. I could hear the football game, the cartoon, and Margareta keeping herself busy in the area near me. A short time later, I hear her singing a sweet lullaby. I open my eyes and looked over at her.

Having no toys to play with, Margareta had used her vivid imagination and improvised with what she had on hand. There on the floor, she had put her brother’s toothbrush to bed. Lovingly covered with a folded hand towel, she was singing to it and then leaned over to kiss it goodnight.

Good night sweet girl. I love you!

Submitted in loving memory of Margareta Kubitz by her mother, Maria Kubitz.