“Girls, come down here and help me with this.”
“What in the world?” Madison stared at the massive container. “What are you gonna do with that?”
“I just want to look at it,” I said, sparing the details. My kids wouldn't understand. To be honest, I didn’t understand.
I stepped onto a chair, grabbed the container and slid it toward the edge. “Ready? Here it comes!” Three sets of hands eased it down to the floor.
As I pulled off the lid, a neatly folded blanket caught my eye. You know the kind. I think every hospital in the world wraps newborns in those thin white blankets with the pink and blue stripes. I held the blanket to my chest, remembering how I used to swaddle my babies. This may take a while, I thought.
Over the next few minutes I found all kinds of treasures. Tiny baby shoes and pink frilly dresses. Soft baby rattles and glossy board books. Snap-up-the-front jammies and adorable hats.
I pulled an armful of warm jeans from the dryer. Good grief. Emily’s jeans were practically my size. And Taylor was right behind her.
Taylor’s volleyball shirt hung above the washing machine, ready to go for her next tournament. My mind drifted. We sure have fun watching Taylor play volleyball. I’ll never forget the night her eighth grade team challenged us parents to a game. For the record, we won.
It’s funny how time fades certain memories like stinky diapers and long, sleepless nights. Truth is, every age has its challenges and every age has its charm.
I'll bet my girls have “treasures” right now that I won’t want to part with. The dress Emily wore to eighth grade graduation. Taylor’s softball uniform. Madison’s gymnastics medals.
I got two important reminders that day in my laundry room. First, it’s fun to remember the past, but it’s even better to enjoy the present.
And second, I need to buy another tote.
Thanks - and have a great week,
Sheri