Pollyanna

Rebecca Burns has great accent. I can't quite put my finger on the origins but she is perfect for this story. The word Pollyanna has taken on something of a negative connotation, a kind of empty headed happiness despite circumstances, usually said in a sneering condescending tone after the fashion of some college professors or self righteous politicians. I carried away a very different idea of a Pollyanna. For your consideration: Her father died. Her mother died. Her brothers and sisters all died. She is homeless and penniless. She is sent to live with a relative who doesn't love her or want her. She truly stands alone. She took all the hard knocks that the world threw her way. As often as she was knocked down; she picked herself up, dusted herself off and found a reason to smile as she faced the next trial. Even when pummeled with blows which have brought great men to their knees, Pollyanna did not yield. Almost, perhaps, but she never surrendered. Further evidence for your consideration: Who changed? Not Pollyanna; she was the glowing wondering little person at the end that she was when we first met. Nope, it was the adults who were changed by this small force of nature: Aunt Polly, the doctor, Nancy, Mr. Pendleton, the minister, et al, in fact an entire town. So if someone is Pollyannaish, what are they? In my book, brave as a combat Marine, loyal as a Saint Bernard and tough as a Pollyanna Whittier.

Although there were parts I lost patience listening to pollyana being TOO GOOD, I love the fact that it is so well described that made me feel as I was living the story caring for Pollyana and her loved ones :)

Read it for your Kids or listen for your entertainment :)