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"Emotionally Attached"

Letter from the Editor

April 6, 2011

A couple of weeks ago my family and I moved.  Moving comes along with the task of going through everything you own and separating it into piles of "take," "donate," and "toss."  Like a good gal, I brought home empty boxes and bins, labeled them properly, and took to sorting with the intent of massive downsizing.  As I went through all the things my husband and I had collected during the years in our first home, I noticed that another separate pile was beginning to form.  A fitting label would be "emotionally attached."  These were things that we didn't really need to keep, and had no real use for, but that I just could not let go of.  This pile turned into 2 bins as I started sorting through...you guessed it...baby items.  Although no plans for more children exist in our family blueprint, I could not bring myself to part with some sweet little newborn clothes, the adorable mobile that hung above the crib for all three of my babies, and more.  Much more.  So into bins they went, and into the storage space in our new home they stay.  Until, I don't know when.  My husband didn't say a word.  Smart man.  If he had protested I would have reminded him of the two bins of random items that he has had since college or the drawer full of artwork made by our kids that he has at his work. 

What is it about things that remind us of our children as little tots that just begs for us to hold onto it rather than let it go?  How many of us have a refridgerator covered in kids' artwork done last month?  How many baby outfits are in your basement? 

Those darling little children.  They fill our lives with love, surprises, joy, and stuff.  Lots and lots of stuff.  What memory-inducing baby item are you unable to part with?  I'd love to hear that I'm not alone here!

Enjoy your macaroni!

Melissa Alcorn 

P.S.  I apologize for the slight delay in publishing.  Looks like our server was busy publishing HQ's National newsletter this morning.  Find Bloomington-Normal Macaroni Kid on facebook for updates on publishing times, event updates, and more!