Long ago, before the three good fairies bestowed their gifts upon a young Sleeping Beauty, is the story of Maleficent, a child abandoned in the Forest of Enchantment.

During this time, a strange illness spread rapidly throughout the town of Cherry Hill, where most of its inhabitants had perished. Work, medicine, and food were scarce, as King Caliper only cared about collecting taxes from the townspeople to line his pockets.

Life was hard for all who were not of wealth or who practiced magic. Women’s power was regarded as the greatest sin against the law, church, and god, resulting in death as punishment. King Caliper despised magic and forbid anyone from entering the Forest of Enchantment

However, deep within the forest lived three brave and magical fairies. Even with the threat of punishment looming over them, these magic-using fairies were determined to help the ill people of Cherry Hill.

“What a beautiful and glorious day”, said Florence, as the summer breeze swept through her hair. She gathered firewood before returning to the small, hidden cottage in the Forest of Enchantment. The air and sun felt good on her face and she sang quietly as not to be heard by any of King Caliper’s henchmen. She knew that in these dark times, women’s power was regarded as a monstrous sin against the law, church and God, resulting in death as punishment. Florence was the oldest of the sister fairies, who was deeply devoted to the natural laws of the world. As Florence gathered wood, she heard a faint cry from a distance ahead.

“What was that?” Florence asked aloud as she ran towards the sound. She knew it was unlikely for children to be in these parts of forest, as the townsfolk have been forbidden to enter the forest for years. As Florence hurried along the path, the sound got louder and louder. Florence finally came across a tiny, wriggling, bundled up blanket. “Oh my,” said Florence as she took a peek under the blanket. The crying stopped for a moment, as eyes dark as coal pierced through Florence’s soul.

“We have been waiting for you a long time,” said Florence as she looked down at the small child. The child began to whimper, until she fell silent in Florence’s arms. She knew right away as to what had transpired resulting in the discovery of this child. Florence continued to ask the child questions as she headed back to the hidden cottage as she knew her sisters have also been waiting in anticipation for this day. “Hello sweet Maleficent,” Florence said as though the child had spoke and told her her name.

Once back at the cottage, Florence and Maleficent were greeted by Jean and Pamela. Florence washed her hands and started to unwrap the swaddled child from a sheet that was dirty and soiled. Maleficent had a foul odor that filled the air in the room as it has been days since her diaper had been changed.

Florence knew the child was ill as she gently stroked her forehead that was hot to touch. “She is feverish,” said Florence with a concerned look on her face after touching her skin to compare the temperature. She knew that the sweating sickness and dysentery were common symptoms that many people did not survive. Florence quickly cleaned Maleficent and wrapped her in fresh linen that would not overheat the child. 

Jean and Pamela hurried about, preparing a bed, clothes, and food for their new guest of honor. With a wave of a wand, Jean and Pamela watched as the eggs, flour and milk danced across the counter, combining themselves into nutritious baby food. “We have so much to do,” said Florence as she prompted Jean to cleanse her hands before taking the child.

“I must get this house ready,” Florence said as she waved her wand to summon the broom. Florence had deep philosophies about the natural laws as the basis for all human conduct. She believed that altering the conditions of the environment would maintain and promote good health for the child and themselves.

“We must keep this house in proper shape to ensure that Maleficent gets well,” said Florence. The shutters to the windows opened and the sun caught her wings making them sparkle in the light.  “She needs love right now,” said Jean who was the second oldest of the three sisters. She gently rocked the child in her arms, as she looked down at those big dark eyes with smile. You see, Jean supported Florence’s beliefs of disease prevention and health maintenance. She knows that access to light would help the child’s sleep cycle and prevent disruption of her physiological functions. Warmth was necessary for the child's comfort and to promote the regulation of body temperature.

Florence also believed that access to nutritious foods, fresh air, and a quiet environment were essential elements to not only their health, but also the health of others. She had taught her sisters about the strong connections between the person, environment, and health. Jean knew that Florence’s gift to Maleficent would be to develop a passion for nature and the natural laws of the environment. “We need to feed this child, she must be hungry,” said Florence as she handed Jean a bowl of food. Jean began to feed Maleficent, as Florence and Pamela watched. Maleficent ate until her hearts content and then fell asleep in Jean’s arms. “We should put her to bed,” said Pamela as she stretched her arms out to receive the child.

But Jean just stood there, gazing down at the child as she listened to the quiet sleeping sounds. “In a moment,” said Jean. “She is content in my arms.” Pamela knew she would have to wait her turn to hold the child, so she sat down beside Jean. Jean was a strong believer in love and care. She believed that humans are multidimensional, composed of an emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual levels. Pamela had listened to Jean speak about her moral ideals in health and healing. Jean believed that healing was acquired through the caring process. Jean held a caring consciousness that embodied the spirit and life mysteries of others. She valued a humanistic approach to health that cultivates faith and hope in others through love and kindness.