How Cordelia Got Her Magic

Cordelia's a dragon from old Dragonlea,
She has magic powers only children can see.
Her scales are all shiny, her wings are unique.
She listens to children, whenever they speak.
Cordelia is special, a friend when in need,
Rub her tummy, it’s magic, if you believe.

- Donna Messer
Cordelia, A Magic Dragon for Children

Keegan is my grandson. When he was a little boy, he had to go to the hospital and he was scared. My daughter called me to tell me what was happening and like all grandmothers everywhere, I tried to think of what I could do that would help make it easier for him.

I went to my very special magic place for children, it’s a toy store, called Mastermind in Oakville. I walked around and around, searching for that special something that would help Keegan through this frightening time. I looked up and right in front of me I saw Dragons, all sizes, looking down on me. The wings were soft and shiny and the scales on the tummy seemed iridescent, the rest of the body was soft and cuddly and for some reason those Dragons beckoned to me.

I picked up one of the Dragons, it was a deep green colour, with iridescent silver scales on a paunchy tummy. The tag said her name was “Cordelia” She came in several sizes and the one in my arms seemed like exactly what Keegan might like. I bought Cordelia and we went to see Keegan. When I put Cordelia in Keegan’s arms, I
told him a story. It was what grandmother’s do when they know how important it is for their grandchildren to have something to hold on to when they are afraid. I told Keegan that Cordelia had a magic tummy and that if he held her tightly and rubbed her tummy, his pain would go away. I told him it might take a little time, but
that Cordelia could help him. I told him she was a very special dragon, and only helped children who believed in the magic of dragons. I told him Dragons were very brave, and that their job was to help children who needed
a special friend when they were scared. Well, he took Cordelia and he hugged her, she fit perfectly in his arms and it was easy for him to rub her tummy. Keegan’s trip to the hospital was quickly over and he was back home.

Cordelia is still in Keegan’s room, and his hospital trip was 5 years ago! This year Keegan went to summer camp and took Cordelia, just in case he might need her. One of his new found friends was lonely and scared – what did Keegan do? He told him the story about the magic in Cordelia. It seems it still works!