Sunday 7 April 2013

Storytelling Sunday 3: Pick Your Precious

The pancakes have been cooked and eaten, with lashings of maple syrup. The breakfast table cleared and the washing up been done happily by the children. Well maybe not that last one, but a girl can dream. Being the first Sunday of the month, it must be time for a tale or two From High in the Sky with Sian.

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The sun is shining here, Spring is hopefully on its way. Seems like just the right time for a tale about a rabbit. This particular rabbit has been part of my story since I was a little girl. He’d be waiting for me, sat on the bed, when I went to stay with my Aunty Kath. I only found out recently that he had a story all of his own.

The rabbit was made by a man who lived in Aunty Kath’s village. He fought during the Second World War and was taken captive by the Japanese. He survived, on a meagre daily portion of rice, until he was freed at the end of the war. When his wife knew he was coming home, she wanted to make something he loved. She scrimped and saved to gather the ingredients. Milk was not a problem, living in a rural village, but sugar was difficult to obtain. None the less she managed it and when he returned she was able to serve up his favourite dessert. Sadly he couldn’t even manage a mouthful. What was it? Rice pudding of course.

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The rabbit (called Rabbit) is a little bit faded and a little bit moth eaten these days. He is still part of my story and now sits on my own bed, where I can see him every day and be reminded of happy times spent with my Aunty Kath.

20 comments:

alexa said...

It must have been lovely to finally find out the provenance of that lovely rabbit - and how unique he is!

Unknown said...

I love Rabbit, he is lovely looking. I love the tales behind it too :)

debs14 said...

A lovely rabbit with a lovely history!

Sian said...

What a lovely story this is..I wonder could Rabbit's maker ever have possibly imagined all those years ago sitting in that camp, that we would be hearing his story in the 21st century? Makes you think..

He certainly is a handsome fellow

JO SOWERBY said...

What an amazing story. I have a felt blue elephant my Aunty made for me which I in the process of recovering as he got eaten by the moths in my parent's loft,
Jo xxxx

scrappyjacky said...

What an amazing history rabbit has.

Anonymous said...

A handsome bunny with a very interesting history. Thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth said...

It is a beautifully made rabbit, and I hardly noticed the moth holes. I hope the maker found some peace and happiness after he was rescued. Perhaps making this rabbit gave him pleasure knowing how much it would be loved.

Alison said...

He IS lovely....and how nice to know the story behind it!
Alison xx

Missus Wookie said...

What a handsome rabbit - I'm glad you didn't change his ribbon :)

Lou said...

a heart warming story and a cute rabbit!

Sheena said...

What a lovely rabbit & story to match x many thanks for sharing x

Jo said...

It's like 2 stories in one, what an amazing history Rabbit has and he is so cute x

Becky said...

What a fantastic story! Thanks for sharing :)

Karen said...

The rabbit alone would be precious, but made even more so by the wonderful back story!

Miriam said...

I agree with Karen, precious indeed. He still looks wonderful.

Lisa-Jane said...

I love it when precious items have a precious story all of their own.

Cheri said...

How cool to have a precious childhood keepsake that has such an interesting back story!

Sandie said...

He is a lovely looking rabbit and in fine condition considering his age! What a lovely story.

Maria Ontiveros said...

I know I'm late getting 'round, but I do love the story of your precious. Thanks for sharing!
Rinda