The Story That Left A Mark

For those unfamiliar, The Little Match Girl tells the tale of a poor, barefoot girl shivering in the streets on New Year's Eve. Too afraid to return home without selling any matches, knowing she would face her father’s wrath, she huddles in the cold, lighting one match after another just to feel a moment of warmth.

With each flickering flame, she sees visions of comfort: a warm iron stove, a beautifully roasted goose, a grand Christmas tree. And finally, in the light of the last match, she sees the one person who ever truly loved her, her late grandmother. Desperate to hold onto the vision, she lights all the matches, embracing their glow even as the bitter cold tightens its grip. By morning, the little girl has frozen to death, a smile on her face as her grandmother’s spirit carries her to Heaven.

Why This Story Stayed With Me

Even as a child, I felt the weight of this story. It was heartbreaking, yes, but it also held a kind of beauty, the idea that love, even in the darkest of times, could shine through. The way the little girl saw hope in the flames and love in the face of her grandmother resonated deeply with me.

Looking back, I realize that The Little Match Girl helped shape the way I understood love, loss, and the connections we carry with us. It also deepened my appreciation for my own grandmothers, who showered me with love and wisdom. Their presence in my life was a guiding force, just as the Match Girl’s grandmother was for her. I sat with my Maternal Grandmother as she slowly passed away, and some years later, my beloved Mum as she passed away too, these are moments forever sealed in my heart.

From Childhood Inspiration to Fingley World

When I began crafting Fingley World, I unknowingly carried these emotions and memories with me. Every character, every bit of magic, and every hidden lesson is woven from my own experiences, from the love I received, the hardships I overcame, and the stories that shaped me.

This connection is especially strong when writing about Dottie Bell’s Great, Great Grandmother, a character who carries a legacy of love and guidance, much like the Match Girl’s grandmother. Dottie, like me, finds strength in the wisdom of those who came before her. She learns that even those who are no longer with us leave behind something powerful, their love, their lessons, and the stories that shape our futures.

The Power of Stories in Our Lives

As I reflect on The Little Match Girl, I see how it helped me understand the value of storytelling, not just as entertainment but as a way to connect with emotions, history, and personal growth. This is what Fingley World is truly about, not just magic, but the magic of storytelling, of weaving past experiences into something new, of passing down wisdom through generations.

Nothing in life is wasted, the good, the bad, and even the heartbreaking moments become part of our story. And that’s the real magic, isn’t it?

What Stories Shaped You?

I would love to hear from you! Was there a childhood story that left a lasting impression on you? One that still lingers in your heart, shaping the way you see the world?

Let’s celebrate the power of stories, because whether they are told in whispers, in books, or in the pages of Fingley World, they live on forever.