I was born during “The Depression.” Those words shaped my childhood – one knew there were people much poorer than my family, but one learned not to ask for too much – not to be seen to be greedy, not to waste, and to use everything to the very last drop. I was the youngest of four girls and I always wore my sisters’ hand-me-downs. So did all my friends who were younger sisters, so it was not discussed.

The big rage in my youth was Shirley Temple. She was a huge star and I adored her in “The Good Ship Lollypop” – the first movie I ever saw. I was “Shirley” for weeks after that. I think I memorized the whole movie and I yearned for a Shirley Temple doll. My wish came true; that Christmas I received a Shirley Temple doll. She had on a blue and white checked dress and a white Peter Pan collar edged with the blue and white check. Shirley was carried everywhere and I tucked her into bed beside me every night.

My next Christmas, I received a Shirley Temple dress – the same as my doll wore! It was my first own dress – brand new – not a hand-me-down and I matched my doll! Such glee, such happiness, such pure joy. I am smiling as I write this! That dress was the most loved. I wanted to wear it every day and I never tired of it.

My best dress? Of course, and the one most appreciated.

Carol MacNichol, Toronto, Ontario