A LITTLE GIRL THAT COULD

by Melonie Blanks
(Nashville TN)

A LITTLE GIRL THAT COULD

It has been my experience with children that it is very hard for them to let go of their toys as they grow up. For a certain 10 year old this was the case. She and her mother were moving to a new home that did not have as much space as the previous home and her mother called me for help when she would not give up all the toys and books she had accumulated since birth.

I found it heartwarming to see the look on her face when I told her I was here to help her downsize her toys. She almost cried. It was time to sit down and discuss her ideas for her new room and where she had intended on putting everything. She wanted it pink and purple. She decided we should have a cup of tea. As we drank tea from the little teacups she received from Santa we sat on her little stools to talk. From all she said it was clear that she loved all her toys and didn?t want to give up anything. I explained to her that she was growing up now and all the baby toys and books could be given to children that didn?t have all she had. She sat quietly and then asked which ones.

As we began I told her that we would start by making piles. We had one for her favorite toys and books, the next for baby toys and books that she was now too old for and the last for broke and dismembered toys. As we went through them I began to laugh. ?Sweetie?, I said, ?most of them are still in the to-keep pile so let?s try again.? So we started again. This time only half the stuffed animals and books went in the to-keep pile, more went into the giveaway pile and even more she decided were just no good. I congratulated her and we started again.

This time we placed all the bookshelves, plastic and modular cabinets in place and started stacking the shelves. We made a home for Bennie-babies, the remaining stuffed animals, games, Barbie dolls (with heads) and all the clothes and accessories in place. As I turned to ask what was left, she was sitting on her stool with a big smile on her face. I asked her what she thought. She replied, ? Grandma it?s beautiful and now I have plenty of room for new toys.? I smiled and gave her a big hug. She is growing up into a fine young lady and is still organizing her toys, all her electronic gadgets and her books. I?m very proud of her and when she needs help, she calls. I knew she could. Now she does too.