One of the loveliest pleasures of motherhood for me has been re-living snippets of my own childhood. Through my girls, I am reminded of sweet outfits my Mum and Nanna made for me, games I used to play, books that captivated my imagination and beloved toys that joined me on my journey as a youngster. One such toy is a doll, Penny. Since moving out of home, she remained forgotten at the top of my wardrobe until one day last year when I was having a clear out and Grace discovered her.
"Can I have this doll Mummy?" she asked, clutching her in her arms in the same way I remember doing as a little girl. I hesitated at first, my once beloved doll seeming a bit precious for play, but then, thinking of her years being tucked away in a box I replied with, "Okay, just be gentle as she's getting a bit old."
Since that afternoon, Penny has been well loved. She has sat on Grace's bed during school hours and in the evening, been lovingly tucked in beside her with a special little pillow. As I've checked on my girls each night before tiptoeing to bed myself, it has truly warmed my heart seeing Grace's arm wrapped protectively around her 'friend', loving the very same doll from my own childhood.
Recently though, I discovered poor Penny was looking a little worse for wear. In several places, due to her age and years of being 'well loved', her fabric was beginning to wear out. Seams were opening, stuffing was poking through and there were sections where the material was threadbare and thinning and where discoloration was starting to show. Penny's days were sadly beginning to look numbered and beyond a simple patch-up job, so we've had to hunt for a replacement doll which we've fortunately found and ordered (and whose arrival we're now eagerly awaiting).
I hope that one day, Grace's 'new Penny' is a piece of her childhood she too can pass on to her children. And that just like me, she will do so remembering lovingly and with fondness her own days growing up...
Do you have any toys of your own you have kept and perhaps been fortunate enough to pass on to another generation?
On a side note, this post from a bit more than a year ago shows Grace in exactly the same dress...
I was rather shocked to see how much her face has changed in that length of time...
Amanda this is beautiful, seeing the joy that Grace also had loving your doll Penny. I am sure her new 'Penny' will be a well loved treasure like your doll was for you. I wasn't a big doll person when I was a girl but I did have a Pumpkin Patch Kid that I loved and have still got that Miss 10 has in her room that she sometimes plays with. Miss 10's favourite dolls though are all the ones that have been handmade for her by me or by her Grandma which is so very sweet and even though placing them on her bed each day is an effort it's one I gladly do till the day she will no longer want them there. xxx
ReplyDeleteThat's so beautiful! I do have a doll that I am yet to pass on to my little miss. Perhaps now is the time. Such beautiful memories to share with your girl xx
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! She looks a couple of years older! Kids grow quickly.... I still have my Milko (my childhood bunny rabbit) and would never part from him! He is looking a bit raggedy these days, and Nala has often eyed him off appreciatively, so he has put on a high shelf safe from her teeth.
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