A "sprite" story

9 years ago

Yesterday, my littlest sprite came over with a box in her arms. Her much loved g'pa trailed behind, clearly there for support. I knew whatever was going on was important.

I opened the door, asked her to come in. Nope, she just wanted to give me the box with some of her 'baby toys' (her words), because she didn't want her baby toys anymore.

In the box were a bunch of her plastic Little Pets toys, much altered by glitter and nail polish, other small animals, and SQUISHY! That little stuffed pink poodle went everywhere with her for two years, she brought her over for an overnight stay with me last summer (remember?).

I took the box, she was so solemn....it was clearly a momentous decision on her part and one that she was not totally sure about.

I told her that I would store the box in a safe place so that she could look at everything whenever she wanted. But I said that I'd put Squishy on my bookshelf in the living room so that she (Squishy is a girl) could watch everything going on.

"Will she sleep with you?"

Oh my, those big sad eyes...tears were leaking from everybody! Even now, I'm dabbing my eyes.

I'm expecting her and her sister to ask for a sleepover tonight. Squishy will oversee the cookie baking, as usual.

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Original Author

9 years ago

Her g'pa and I talk every day....partly because we are long time friends but mostly because of the girls. He is incredible, that's all I have to say.

Little sprite is still pretty immature but hugely imaginative. There is something going on at school that has triggered this purge of her baby toys, but Squishy will thrive, beeleeve me, lol. We adults will find out what's going on.

I did give that bedraggled thing a good bath last night....she was pretty awful.

The sprites sleep over at least once a month just to give G'pa a break. He has his lady friends, after all. We ALL look forward to the sleepovers, especially Robert and I.

Robert adores the sprites, even asking about them if they haven't been over in a day or so. They love that we are affectionate with each other, giggling when we hold hands or kiss. They have drawn pictures of us kissing. Isn't that heart wrenching and wonderful?

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Comments (20)

Alisande
9 years ago
Oh, Rhizo, you knew just the right things to say. I wonder if she was 100% ready for this momentous decision . . . did she say what led up to it? Squishy might end up going back for a couple of sleepovers too. :-)
morz8 - Washington Coast
9 years ago
Oh, I do remember Squishy. The little minds of children, how on earth do they work that sprite felt she needed to make a physical break from her 'past'. ;0)

This means she trusts you. And I hope pink goes with your décor ;0)
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How very sweet of you to ask about my sprites and my husband! Never fear, all is well. Satine remembers correctly and I appreciate her mentioning the fact that I felt like I had overshared and maybe invaded some privacy. Please know that the girls are busy and happy and very much in our lives. For some reason, Little Sprite has entered a stage where she may change her clothes four or five times a day over the weekend, including things in her hair, different shoes and socks, etc. What's that all about? Oh my, you should have seen what she slipped into her backpack to decorate herself for school picture day! I may need to take her to some thrift stores to see if we can find some extra cool accoutrements. The older sprite is usually a blur of streaming hair as she zooms by on her bike or skates or scooter or sneakers. I've seen her jump rope past our house, down the street and around the corner! She has learned how to swim, mastered her fear of drowning just in time for the pool season. She is still very much into the cooking shows and likes preparing things for her friends and family. My own repertoire has broadened because of her desire to make things that she has seen Bobby (Flay) or Giada whip out! Robert's recovery from his hip replacement went very well for the most part. He followed the orders of his surgeon and therapists and was very happy with his progress. He's been able to do things outside that he's neglected for a couple of years; it's great to see him so active again. Thanks for caring....I'll pop in with sprite stories from time to time, I promise. Today is their last day of school!
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lucillle
9 years ago
I'm dabbing my eyes too. How fast they grow up.
Texas_Gem
9 years ago
Aww, that is so awesome! Thanks so much for sharing!
lindaohnowga
9 years ago
I always love hearing about your "sprites". I remember Squishy and I think Squishy may end up going back home with the littlest sprite, but in the meantime, I know you will take good care of Squishy. Those little girls sure do love you and your husband. I know the feeling is mutual.
blfenton
9 years ago
Those little girls are so lucky having you and grandpa in their lives. (I suspect you and grandpa feel the same.)
matti5
9 years ago
It sure shows how much she loves you and DH in giving her most loved possession to you. I'm know every time you look at squishy on your shelf, a big smile will quickly follow. I so enjoy hearing about the "sprites", thank you for sharing!
Yayagal
9 years ago
You're a wonderful role model for them and the love you get in return is better than gold.
whistle_gw
9 years ago
Sprite stories brighten my day and this is probably the best one yet. Love to all who love the sprites.
OutsidePlaying
9 years ago
Oh my, what a moment! You did indeed know just what to say and do for this little sprite. And yes, I remember Squishy. I am quite sure there is a turn of events at school that has prompted this sudden 'purge' of baby toys. I can't recall how old she is, but it is hard for her to let go, no matter.

I'm so happy you shared this with us. Warms my heart just knowing she has such people in her life!
skibby (zone 4 Vermont)
9 years ago
"You're a wonderful role model for them" - heck you're a role model for me. Here come the tears....mine! thanks Rhizo.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago
Awww so sweet! Thanks for the beautiful story. It is a blessing for them to have friends like you and your husband. I bet it's a blessing for y'all too. Squishy is probably glad for the bath lol.
User
9 years ago
Squishy! That is tooooooooooo cute!
PKponder TX Z7B
9 years ago
I love your sprite stories. They are so heartwarming and hopeful.
Jasdip
9 years ago
Oh, I'm soooooo glad you had a Sprite story. I miss them dearly. You've got such a maternal heart, you knew instinctively the right thing to say. And you and Robert earned their love and trust a long time ago. I love, love hearing about them. I'll bet you carried Squishy by the ear, and into the tub/washing machine! LOL
Rosie
9 years ago
Awwwww, that is a sweet story. Sounds like it was hard for her to give up Squishy. I wonder if her friends or classmates might be teasing her about her "baby" toys. It might make her feel better to learn that even adults have Squishys that they love well after they are all grownup. Meanwhile, she can be sure that Squishy has a good home with you!
sjerin
9 years ago
How very sweet! I'm feeling sorry for Little Sprite, as she really doesn't want to give up Squishy. Did Gpa suggest this? (Maybe I missed that part.) I too love reading about the little dears and your relationship with them!

P.S. One of my twenty-something daughters still enjoys the company of her blankie at night when she occasionally sleeps over. :)
Georgysmom
9 years ago
Haven't heard about the sprites in a while so it was nice of you to share "baby toys" with us. I'm sure she was being teased by some "grown-up sprites" at school and she decided it was time no matter how difficult. the good news is, she can come over anytime she wants and visit the baby toys.
Marcy
9 years ago
What a sweet story! You and the girls are lucky to have each other around!!

A "sprite" story

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Original Author

Comments (20)

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A "sprite" story

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7Original Author

Comments (20)

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Original Author