The Ragdoll and the Marine

B y C i n d y R a p a d a s , R e g i o n a l D i r e c t o r o f G u a m a n d S a i p a n a t P a c i f i c H i s t o r i c P a r k s

In July 1944, on a small island in the Pacific, the United States military landed to liberate the people from the tyranny of the Japanese occupation in World War II. War is especially confusing and fearful for children. However, it is on Guam that a young United States Marine gives a young island girl her first toy. The Ragdoll and the Marine is about a young United States Marine liberating an island he knows very little about and a child, who had very little understanding of the danger around her. This story is beautiful and timely. Beautiful, in that it is written more than 50 years later by the child’s daughter and timely because we could all read about kindness and generosity.

Fifty years after the end of World War II, the now elder Marine, Richard Washburn reaches out to find the whereabouts of the recipient of the ragdoll, Natty Calvo. A reunion is planned and the wonderful celebration of love and gratitude is seen in the blending of two families.

Natty’s youngest daughter, Nicole Calvo takes you on the journey as seen through her eyes. She is a master storyteller whose obvious love and respect for her mother resonates in each page and paragraph.