Saturday, July 6, 2013

Storytelling Sunday: A Toy Story Moment

The first Sunday of every month, Sian of From High in the Sky hosts Storytelling Sunday, an opportunity for story tellers from all around the world to share a tale. In 2013, Sian has encouraged people to discuss those precious objects which they hold dear. You can find this week's stories by visiting this link.
The whirlwind of Henry's high school graduation ceremony, grad night celebration and the carousel of  graduation parties is over. The hustle and bustle is gone, and the house is strangely silent these days. Henry is visiting Costa Rica on a "Senior Trip" with 39 other lucky graduates whose parents ponied up the money to send them on one last high school adventure. I'm taking the opportunity to clean up and reorganize his room.  I toss out mountains of old paper and donate outgrown clothes to charity. I pack  up his hats from Little League baseball teams, t-shirts from All-Stars and assorted trophies into boxes destined for the attic. Toys and stuffed animals are placed in a donation box. Brio trains and Matchbox cars will be saved in the attic; maybe his children will use them one day. I'm almost done, when I come across George.
Curious George was Henry's constant companion when he was a baby, toddler and preschooler. He slept with him, packed him up on trips and took him to day care for nap time. There are other things in this box: Rollo the Rhino (who Henry won at a fun fair in Killarney Town on our first trip to Ireland); a souvenir bag from one of our many train trips that I know is stuffed with marbles; a puzzle box from Budapest that no one remembers how to open; signed baseballs from Spring Training. But nothing has the weight of memory and love of George. I can't bear to box him up just yet. I take him out and place him on the shelf next to Henry's diploma, soccer cleats and University of Oregon orientation materials. George might not make the trip to Eugene in the fall, but, for now, he's too precious to make the trip to the attic.

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope this doesn't post twice as my first comment disappeared!

I love this story Rinda and hope that George makes it to College. Gracia has Sammy Seal who now lives in Newcastle waiting for her return as he is too fragile to survive the constant journeys backwards and forwards. He is far too precious to put away and lives in her room keeping watch over her.

Ladkyis said...

How lovely! I think you are really brave in tackling the room. I would not have been that brave - I wasn't! when my boys left home for the army they had to sort out their own stuff. Who knew what lay dead or dying under those beds!!!

Virginia said...

Oh how beautifully written is that, such memories as well! Thank you for sharing!

Annie Claxton said...

This is such a sweet story, brought back lots of memories for me too - my first son went off to uni about 12 or so years ago and it still brought a tear to my eye to read your story. Even my younger son will be thrity this year - but I still have some of their soft toys, because they're just so personal. Thanks for sharing your story :o)xxx

Sian said...

Oh, yes! How much does this chime with me today? We of course are at exactly the same point and we two spent last Sunday morning going through things in his bedroom..neither of us is very good at boxing things up so quite a lot of it went back out on the shelf! I love that you took some photos and I need to go back and do that now I think.

Love it. Thanks Rinda. Hope he's having a brilliant time on his trip

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

Do you know, I started smiling the moment I scrolled down to that monkey face. I think your lovely story will resonate with very many Mums/Moms around the world today, no matter how old their children are right now.

JO SOWERBY said...

When I left home in 1984 most of my things were still in boxes as we'd recently moved house. When I left I had 2 suitcases, food and my records and record player. Nowadays when I go to my parents I still have stuff in my old room, well it was my room for a week. There are ornaments, books, the cork from my 21st bday champagne I even found the other day while staying over. Those memories never go away, they just age with us. Please keep George my mum even has my baby teeth, no the tooth fairy didn't exist apparently, and some dresses she had made for my sister and I,
Jo xxx

Jen said...

Such a wonderful story Rinda and told beautifully. I am so glad George made it back on the shelf - I have my son's Bramwell Brown - - - - J x

Anne said...

Beautiful story Rinda. You are right, keep him safe, I lost "my George" when my parents moved and I am still grieving for him !!!

Lynda said...

I love this! You are such a great story teller.

Karen said...

I'm so glad you took photos as you packed. Even Henry may enjoy them as he reflects back some day. Now, of course, he's looking forward as he should! I'm glad you rescued George!

Missus Wookie said...

I'm assured that Pooh will make it to University - and won't be packed up, as of course we're moving so Princess will be packing stuff to go to Uni, stuff she won't need there but will later to stay in boxes and stuff to move house...

scrappyjacky said...

I'm glad George stayed in Henry's room....and you never know....maybe he'll make it to college as well!!

Irene said...

I love George. He is a keeper. You are brave to go at it alone. I always have the boys help me clean their room. Something I must do for Mat now that he is out of High School. You must keep us updated on George's future home.

debs14 said...

I think I would have to put George back on the shelf too! Lovely memories.

Mel said...

My mom needed distracting when dropping me off at uni and started folding my knickers! I didnt get it then but i get it now...

Abi said...

I love seeing this through your eyes Rinda as I remember my mum doing this when I arrived at uni. My soft toy came with me and sat on the shelf this year. He was a great comfort!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Oh my gosh, Rinda, this story is just so sweet. I know exactly how you feel, as I came across Carrie's favorite "blankie" in my cedar chest the other day. I really felt the sense of nostalgia through your Instagram photos you posted while you were organizing Henry's room, and this story is the perfect cherry on top. xo

Miriam said...

Our 'hearty' (he's a blue bear) lives in our airing cupboard and has done for the thirteen years we have lived here. Every time you open the door, there he is, still smiling and still bringing back so many memories. I wonder, would he make a good story? Your story is beautifully told Rinda. I bought a graduation card today which reads. Graduation is not the end..it is the beginning. That's what I read in your story today.

Sheena said...

A wonderful story beautifully told x
I've been tiding with our eldest as he gets ready for Uni & we came across"Teddy" & boy did he look well loved :)

Anonymous said...

So wonderfully told Rinda. I can definitely see where George doesn't belong in a box.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

George needs to stay out. I left my old stuffies at home when I left for college but came back for them when we bought a house.

Sabrina DS said...

There's no hurry to move anyone to the attic. I had a monkey too when I was young. It rests peacefully with my best friend who died long ago.
xoxo from France

Jane said...

never get rid of George, he is a part of your family.

furrypig said...

that box really has so many memories in it and George has probably shared in a fair few! Great story Rinda thanks xxx

boysmum2 said...

I secretly hope he gets to make the trip in the fall. Sounds like he has been part of all the adventures so far so why not this one too?

Unknown said...

WOW! No one ever sorted my room for me, your son is lucky :) I love that he still has George. My boys still have their most loved animal hidden in their rooms but they won't admit it LOL I still have to write my story and am hoping to get to it today.

Anonymous said...

i have an Elmo in my room that Angelina said she didnt need a couple years ago when we purged her room .. he's now mine and once in a while when she's had a tough day, she comes in and sits with him... i doubt he'll make the trip to college, but he will always be here with me if she needs him ... be strong...

Mariana

Beverly said...

Very smart to be doing this now instead of after Henry has gone off to school. It can be a very melancholy experience. I think George has a very long life to live before heading to the attic :)

Becky said...

Wonderful memories and I am glad that George has not been boxed up yet :)

Nathalie said...

Oh boy, reading this put a lump in my throat... my son just finished his High School freshman year but I know the day I will have to do what you are doing and feel what you are felling will be here in no time... Thank you for sharing the story of George with us :)

Lou said...

aww yes Curious George...glad that you haven't boxed him up yet. I'd struggle with that too x

Jo said...

George is gorgeous and I bet the memories he holds are amazing, you're right, he's not ready for the attic :) x

Cheri said...

Sarah's first (and favorite) doll "Cindy" still lives in her old bedroom. If she ever decides to ditch her childhood stuff, I'll be saving it for her first child! Hope George gets the same consideration. He was a faithful companion.

Alison said...

I think George would enjoy a trip to Oregon!
Alison xx

Susanne said...

George certainly has earned his right to hang out next to that diploma and college materials - he did his part to help along the way, I suspect. And you might like having George there to hug once the scholar is college bound!