In second grade, I asked for another one for Christmas. She had brown hair, but this time, blue eyes like I wanted. Her name was Casey. Katie and Casey, sisters, my babies. (For those itching to know our girl's name, I'll give you one free gift.. it's NOT Casey ;)
These photos are from online, though I now have a strong desire to get out the actual baby dolls from the attic.
Everyone who grew up in the 80s has seen that muppet Chritmas story where the new toy replaces the old one, and last year's toy is so upset, except when he realizes that he also replaced toys from years before. I cant remember the name of the movie, but I loved it. Toy Story is the same story line. I was guilty of the same. Casey was the new favorite. She never came to school with me (I guess the craze wore off in 2nd grade) so she was cleaner than Katie, and had the correct color lips, not faded and then bright red. She always got the cuter, pinker clothes. The cuter bibs, the cuter baby food toy spoon and bottles. The better blankets.
Looking back though, I have fonder memories of Katie, because she was the first, the original. I dont know why Casey had to get ALL of the better things, because Katie was just as cute.
I don't know how to interpret this exactly.. which one is my favorite? In the movies, the child always realizes that he loves the first original toys as much as the new ones. The first feel cheated when the replacement arrives, but they are equally loved in the end.
I'm so sorry Katie. I love you always.
Oh dear one! I don't know a single mother (who never lost a child) who has not wondered if they would ever be able to love a second child as much as a first, and I don't know a single mother who has had a child die who has not wondered if they would love "the one who lived" more because he or she lived and they would be able to experience life and not just memory.
ReplyDeleteThat's just torture and not what God wants for anyone. You will love both of your children (and any more that may come) with the same depth and devotion of the loving mother you are--you will just love different things and for different reasons. I always get really aggravated when people say stuff like, "I know God has blessings in store and you will have a child to love and hold one day." I get aggravated because those same people were at Matthew's funeral! They saw how beautiful he was! How could the think that another child to love and hold would make Matthew's loss better?
It wouldn't because you love each and every one of your children for their individuality and the unique and precious soul they possess. I WILL love every inch of another child we may be blessed with, but that won't take away love from Matthew!
So of course you will love your new little cherry with every fiber of your being, just like you love and will always love your Kathlyn Joy with every fiber of your being. That's what mothers do. They have hearts that never run out of love for their children. Unending and perfect for each one.
What cute dolls. I've never seen them before although I remember the Cabbage Patch ones. Perhaps we didn't get them here in the UK?
ReplyDeleteOh sweet Beth. Your children are equally loved. I never thought that I could love any two people so identically until my girls were born. I loved them both, I wanted them both just like you love Kathlyn and your little cherry.