Stephanie, My Dearly Beloved blue plaid robe, has made the transition from treasure to trash. Let my family tell it, she's BEEN trash. However.. I sincerely beg to differ. Just because Stephanie was no longer attractive, did not mean she had lost her value. She was a comforting companion to me. If Stephanie was able to talk, oooohhhh, the stories she'd tell. The conversations she's been privy to, the tears that have been wiped by her sleeve, all the grandbaby throw up that's landed in her lap, all the coffee that's been spilled on her..but that isn't the half of it. I can't tell it all. Nobody knooowwwss the trouble she's seen! But to my family, she was just an annoying eyesore. My husband once said, that Stephanie was the same robe, the lady on the Abilify commercial, wore! Y'all remember her?! She was a cartoon and she appeared extremely depressed. Chillleee. Whatever! However, Stephanie has seen me through some dark days. I cannot discount that. But, it wasn't quite as bad, as "Abilify Lady".. Poor lady. Look. At. Her. That's when you know it's time to lay it all at the feet of Jesus! They've asked.. (read: begged) me to throw her away. Several times. I stopped responding to those requests about 5 years ago. New robe purchases were even made, on my behalf, in an attempt to make me shun Stephanie. I gave those other wanna-bees a chance, but none of them measured up. They were all too itchy, too silky, not comfortable, didn't have the right kind of pockets, prone to static cling and electricity. They searched high and low, for a replacement, but there was NAAAANNNNN found like Stephanie, in all the land. In all the land... meaning Wal-MArt, Ross, Victoria's Secret, Amazon, and Target. Stephanie was plush, warm, soft, comfortable, pocketed for all of my belongings, and could hold a fabric softener smell for days. Sure, she had holes in her, and a couple of worn places, but I'm not shallow. She had what mattered to me. Plus, Stephanie was a staple in my community and abroad. Everybody knew her, my neighbors, the convenience store workers, my coworkers at my former workplace, my church family, my BFFs. I mean...her reputation preceded her! But about 2 weeks ago, Stephanie took a turn for the worse. She already had a hole under her arm, but no one could really see it, unless I had to lift my hands over my head. I figured she had at least 6 good months left in her. I washed her and when I took her out of the washer, her arm got caught. She ripped about 6 inches down the side! I said then, "there's no point in putting you in the dryer ol' girl, just lay here on top of it and air dry." I knew then, what I had to do. I had to let her go. So I called the family in and explained the situation. They seemed to be sympathetic on the surface, but inwardly, I knew they couldn't wait to get Stephanie on the trash truck. I watched her lay on top of that dryer for 2 days, trying to triage the situation. Finally, I came to the conclusion, to put her, back on my back! Sure that rip under the arm was getting caught on door knobs, and furniture, but still, we adjusted and shouldered on. I kept saying," we can make it 6 more months Stephanie, just hold what you got! High hopes and wishful thinking, unfulfilled. :( Sadly, yesterday, after her weekly wash, the same mishap occurred. And this time, she was ripped from the arm, all the way down to the hem. Why did it have to be you, Steph?! SMH! This time, I REALLY had to let her go! So, once again, I brought the family in and notified them. This time they knew it was real. And this time, I think they realized from the look in my eyes, just how much she meant to me. There were hugs all around, and I was told, that although Stephanie could never be replaced, a new search would be launched, to find me an equally comforting substitute, to help me along my way. (I'm assuming she'll arrive on Valentine's Day) *crosses fingers* So, we said our "Goodbyes" and my 12 (now 17) yr old, said a few words over her, and sent her to be with other robes, who've fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course. Beloved, I've seen better days. RIP STEPHANIE GRIMES Sunrise: 2005 Sunset: 02-07-2015 (YES! I’m still in mourning-y'all don’t know my life!) You were cuddly, you were soft I regret, I have to send you off You were my companion, you were my friend But our time together, has come to an end You were faithful, and you served me well Now the time has come to say farewell I know you're aware that you'll be replaced But my memories of you will never be erased Moms let me know, in the comments, what your favorite or most comfortable piece of clothing is, to wear around the house.
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AuthorHi! Meryl, here. Glad you stopped by. I'm just living my little-lah-ti-dah-life,here in the great state of Texas. I'm a mom of 5. Archives
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