Ilona Cole, Story 62

My Precious and Beautiful Birthday Present

It was June 2nd, 2021, my birthday. I am 94 years old. Before I write this short story, I should tell a little how this phenomenon occurred. I never thought I would after so many years have this pleasure of owning such a beautiful and precious gift.

I started writing short stories and one of the stories, or actually two stories were of a most beautiful Geisha doll. Jessika, my confidant, my care giver, my most treasured friend was here and joined in the conversation. We were talking about a trip we had taken to Seattle to hear the Messiah. We, my husband Hal and I stayed at the Olympic Hotel, and we had a chance to go to the Jewelry store in the lobby of the hotel, always closed, when we came in the evening for dinners. Today we arrived for lunch. We made an awesome purchase, as I was telling it in my short story. Several years after, we gifted it to a good friend, also a war bride, as we were called then to make her happy and I believe with all my heart, that it worked. That was the end of the subject of conversation. Many months passed and it was my birthday.

We had a few of our friends in my apartment celebrating with cake and champagne and my beloved Jessika was here too. She went into the bedroom and closed the door, so she would have privacy and prepared to present me with my birthday gift. I could never have imagined what my gift would be, but Jessika came out of the bedroom with one of her beautiful smiles and had the most awesome and precious Geisha doll in both hands. I had the feeling of joy, of gratefulness, the overwhelming feeling of giving Jessika a big hug and I had to hold back tears, tears of happiness and joy, not necessarily toward this awesome gift, but toward Jessika. For a young lady to know what would make an old lady so happy in her heart.

This gorgeous Geisha doll stands on a black platform, has beautiful jewels in her hair, even a lovely comb of jade. Her face is beautiful, serene and precious. Her garment is of red and gold silk brocade, and she is holding a charming fan in her hand. Such a lovely gift, such a lovely Geisha doll and such a lovely Jessika.

It was a birthday that I shall never forget nor the kindness and love of my dearest Jessika.

Published by Administrator

Marcie Sims is a teacher, author, and editor. She teaches literature/film, composition, and creative writing courses at Green River College in Auburn, WA. She lives on Vashon Island, just a short ferry ride away from Seattle, Washington. She writes fiction (short stories and novels), poetry, composition textbooks and has written one historic overview of Capitol Hill Pages as a former U.S. Senate page herself.

3 replies on “Ilona Cole, Story 62”

  1. I am sure you will enjoy this third and last installment of the Geisha Doll stories by Ilona. What a beautiful gift from sweet Jessika, and what an amazing and delightful person Jessika is! We are all so glad you are a part of Ilona’s life, dear Jessika. Thanks for all you do. Marcie

  2. What a beautiful conclusion to this trilogy of Geisha Dolls. What goes around really does “come around”. Ilona’s generosity to her friend returned to her through the loving kindness of her precious Jessika. What a beautiful friendship that has brought such joy to Ilona these many years now. Two beautiful souls touching. Our hearts are warmed with gratitude. And, love.

Comments are closed.