How The Stork Made Me

"Mummy, how did the stork make me?” I asked my mother Lady Penelope one Spring morning. “Well let’s see…” says my mummy. She loves making up stories.

“Storks live in a big place in the clouds called BabyGo. They always know how to care for and make babies to be delivered all around the world.

They make their babies out of sugar and spice and everything nice.

And sometimes, if some babies are lucky, the stork chef Zegulu might even add a pinch of Talent Icing and some frosted unicorn marshmallows to make them sweeter.

Zegulu is a wonderful cook living in the sky. Unlike most of the cooks in the sky, he is the one who makes the babies. He makes them as sweet and as adorable as possible.

Until the babies get proper eyesight, the storks care for them like they’re their own family members.

They change their nappies using clouds, they feed them Unicorn Marshmallow Porridge and they love to play loads of games with them, like peekaboo and hide and seek.

You, in particular, were made using a special ingredient named ‘Rainbow Mix’, which makes some babies unique, one of a kind, and very special.

And just by adding this Rainbow Mix, Zegulu knew you are destined for greatness - a whole life full of endless possibilities.

When you were created, you were given to a stork named Wilbur. Wilbur was a bit clumsy at times, but sometimes he was very funny. He always knew how to make you laugh.

Wilbur had an excellent singing voice and loved to sing nursery rhymes. He fed you well, and even picked the best clouds to turn into nappies.

When he found out you were to be delivered to me, he was very upset.

He had to tell the whole truth to you, and then he gave you the biggest, cuddliest hug a stork can give.

And then, the day came when the person shouting through the loudspeaker said it was Wilbur’s turn to deliver you. At once, Wilbur agreed to his task.

Through his journey, he battled every force of nature.

He battled through wind and wild rain.

He battled through freezing snow and ice.

Then, he finally approached my mansion. He knew it was time to part with you, so he gave you a gift to remember him by - a teddy in pink pyjamas.

And then, as he flew off, I heard you crying outside my door. I ran up to it, and there you were - small, weak, vulnerable, and well nurtured by Wilbur.

And then, I found a note near you:

“Dear Lady Penelope,

Some friendships last for eternity, but now I have to pass my best friend onto you. She’s your best friend now - I hope she’ll grow up to be just as proud and as wonderful as you.

Love,

Wilbur.”

I was moved to tears, but I picked you up and cuddled you softly. You are the newest member of my family to me. You are the daughter I always wanted to have.

All the while, Wilbur was just a tiny speck in the distance, flying back to base, waiting for another baby to be delivered.

He realised that when one baby who becomes his friend gets delivered to a mother on Earth, another baby will be waiting for him - and soon, you will thank him.

Many years passed, and I took care of you with great care, kindness and gentleness. Even Parker and the other members of International Rescue got into the game.

And now, there you are, a strong, healthy young girl. Just how I expected you to be.”

“That story was so beautiful,” I smiled, wiping tears from my eyes, “Is it true that Wilbur is still waiting for me, somewhere in the clouds?” Lady Penelope nodded silently, and gave me the kindest, softest hug any mother could ever give.

Then Parker came in. “Excuse me, milady, but was I delivered by the stork as well?” Our sadness vanished as we both laughed and laughed. Oh, Parker, you are a card, aren’t you?!