A Monster is Stealing My Prayers

A Monster is Stealing my Prayers !

This book is dedicated
To Keara, whose imagination and wisdom inspire me,
to Lor, who helps me to feel loved everyday,
and to my father whose monster is finally at peace.

Rosie didn't like to sleep in her own bed.
She worried about monsters...

Rosie had lots of happy dreams,
like playing with her friend.

She also had scary nightmares
about monsters……
She hated those !

She was happiest when she felt safe
cuddling with her mommy and daddy in their bed.
Rosie loved the comfort of snuggling with her parents,
her kitty and her favorite soft blankie.

Before going off to sleep, Rosie loved to phone
her grandma. Her grandma was silly and
talking to her each night also helped her
to feel happy and not scared.

Every night Rosie would say her prayers
with her mommy.
Rosie believed that if she said her prayers,
God would also protect her
from monsters.
This was how Rosie could relax
and fall peacefully to sleep.

Once Rosie was asleep,
Rosie’s mommy would carry her to her room
and gently place her in her own bed
with her kitty and blankie.

One night, Rosie had a dream
that would change everything.
Though Rosie was nestled safely in her bed,
she was dreaming about a monster.
In Rosie's dream, the monster came
into her room just as she was saying
her prayers.

Rosie was kneeling by her bed and started her prayers.
God Bless Mommy and Daddy….
The monster had a big bag
and started to gather the words Rosie was saying.
Rosie’s eyes were closed,
so she didn't see the monster
and what he was up to!
The more words Rosie said,
the faster the monster grabbed them
and shoved them in his bag.

As she was finishing her prayers,
Rosie opened her eyes, turned around
and saw the monster.
Startled, she cried out
“A monster is stealing my prayers! ”
“A monster is stealing my prayers!”
Rosie yelled so loud it startled the monster too.
This was the first time he had gotten caught
stealing someone's prayers.
Actually this was the first time he had tried
to steal anyone’s prayers.
And now he didn't think it was a good idea.

The monster could see he had really upset Rosie
and started to feel very bad
about what he was doing.
Rosie could see the monster had a sad look on his face
which made Rosie wonder about this monster
who was more sad than scary.
Holding her kitty tightly, Rosie said bravely
” Why are you stealing my prayers?”

The monster looked in his bag of Rosie’s prayers.
He considered if he should tell her the truth.
Rosie looked like such a kind person
and he could tell she had a loving heart.
Maybe she might be someone
who would listen and understand.
And he was so sorry he had scared her.
Maybe this time would be different.

You see, ever since he was very little,
people had stayed away from him.
Sometimes children laughed and made fun of him.
And sometimes children were scared of him
though he didn't know why.
This made him feel very sad and lonely.
So as he grew to be an adult monster,
these memories made him feel very grouchy.

With a bit of fear,
the monster decided to tell Rosie
what the truth was; why he was stealing her prayers.
“Rosie, the words you were saying
were so nice and loving.
I don’t have anyone to say prayers with me or for me .
People only say mean things about me.”

Rosie could see how sad and lonely the monster was.
She was no longer scared
but rather felt sad for him.
The monster then told her,
“I thought if I took your loving words,
I could pretend they were for me.

The monster began to cry
Rosie being a sweet and caring child
wanted to reach out to the monster
and help him feel better.

With excitement, Rosie said to the monster
“I have a good idea,
how about we say our prayers together now?”
The monster looked up
and through his tears he could see Rosie’s big smile.
He was not used to little children smiling at him.
To have someone to pray with sounded so nice.

So together they knelt down by Rosie’s bed.
Rosie started first.
“God Bless Mommy and Daddy,
my little sister, Layla, Grandma, Poppi, Lorlor and…
Rosie said out loud all the names of her family
and friends she could think of.

When she was done, she looked at the monster,
waiting to hear what he would say.
He wasn’t sure what to say
as he didn't have anybody to send blessings to…
till now.
The monster said in a soft whisper
“ God Bless Rosie for being so nice to me.”

Rosie smiled as she could feel
the monster’s sincere prayer for her.
Rosie then said “ God Bless this monster.
And God, help him to feel loved.”
When the monster heard these words
he thought he would melt.
His body softened and warmth spread
throughout him, healing his lonely heart.
Together they knelt quietly for some time
in a peaceful space of safety and love.

It was now morning and it was time
for Rosie to wake up for school.
Her mommy sat down on the edge
of Rosie’s bed and gently tickled her awake.
As Rosie was awakening from her sleep
she began to remember
what had happened the night before.

“Mommy, what a dream I had!
A monster came and stole my prayers .
But he was just lonely and we are friends now.”
Rosie’s mommy hugged her as Rosie told her
all about the nightmare
that turned into a wonderful dream.
“Maybe I’ll dream about my monster tonight “
Rosie said excitedly.
I hope so..
I really hope so…….