A Lesson in Obedience

My sister gave me a hilarious Christmas present this year. It sits on my desk and reminds me of a traumatic childhood experience I could have avoided.

It’s a Locket Doll made by Mattel in the early 1970s.

Once upon a time when I was in first grade, I got a Lucky Lois Locket Doll.

She was encased in a locket that hung on a chain around my neck. I could conveniently take her out and play with her. When I was finished, I’d tuck her safely away inside the locket.

I absolutely loved her and wanted to wear her everywhere I went, even to school. But that morning my mother told me to leave her at home. Like any kid who wants their way, I sneaked my Lucky Lois Locket Doll in my jacket pocket and put her on the minute I got to school.

When break for recess came, we were taken to the bathroom before going outside. In my little stall, I turned to push the flusher and found out my Lucky Lois wasn’t so lucky after all. She fell out of the locket and to my horror, got sucked down the toilet before I could reach in and rescue her.

In shock, I dashed out to find my teacher and tell her my woeful story. Her silly solution – I still laugh about to this day – was to contact the water treatment plant and see if the doll would come up in one of their filters. It was a possibility since I lived in a small town.

I don’t remember what my mother said when I told her. All I know is I felt sick because all I had to wear now was an empty locket.

The Bible says in Samuel 15:22:

“…to obey is better than sacrifice.”

I disobeyed my mother and ended up sacrificing (un)Lucky Lois to the sewer.

The next time my mother told me not to do something and I really wanted to do it, I thought of poor Lucky Lois and chose obedience.

16 responses to “A Lesson in Obedience”

  1. Maria Matson says:

    You got a chuckle out of me on that one, however, your final message is quite thought provoking- and true. Thanks for sharing.

  2. I’m sorry, Christy, but I laughed, especially over the teacher’s plan to rescue your doll. Imagine the journey and all it would entail. Thank God, the doll was NOT found and put back in your locket. (I’m feel very insensitive right now.) Childhood lessos are remember (even some that we can later laugh about.)

  3. Cindy Thomas says:

    Yes, I remember that fateful day when you came home asking to go to the sewage plant to look for your doll. I still laugh at the thought of searching through sewage! I’m glad eBay was able to assist me with this special gift this year! Love you!!

  4. Karen Gillespie says:

    Oh my goodness. That’s a tragic story indeed. How awful. I’m so sorry that happened to you. ♥️

  5. Janell says:

    Oh my Dear friend! You seem to have an infinity with sewers! So glad you only dropped me in the sewer ditch and not the toilet that fateful day in May 1983! Glad we have our friendship lockets intact! Love you!!

  6. Diane Hensley says:

    Wonderful story. Children remember the strangest things. I love you my friend

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *