We’ve talked about this before but, yes, I have hoarder-like tendencies that can only be summed up by the fact that I get attached to objects very easily. This is why I have things that are older than the average One Direction fan in my possession still. Things like ticket stubs to shows — some I can’t even remember clearly due to a bad memory, clothes I’ll never wear just because, and toys that are worthless to anyone else but priceless to me: a doll that I used to be terrified of that sits with a deer, a Beanie Baby, and a robot.
I’m my mom’s one and only girl, so she treated me well as a child and throughout most of my life. Financially you’d put us in that low class section and our trailer would place us there too, but she always managed to get me what I wanted. I’m not sure I asked for a Cabbage Patch doll but she got me one at such a young age, I’m not sure when “Baby Kendra” entered the mix but now she resides on my bed at 27 years old and is likely the same age as me.
Along with her sits a stuffed animal of a deer my dad bought me, probably around the same time “Baby” came into the picture. I’m not sure why out of all the toys they gave me, these two stood the test of time, but I can’t really sleep now knowing they aren’t at the foot of my bed. Maybe one day if I ever marry they’ll move to a condo, AKA a shelf in my adult like bedroom, but for now my bed is their home.
My bed-and-travel buddy is also another gift in stuffed formation. My little brother was too into the Beanie Baby craze and I’ve yearned for a real life husky for years. So when he got his hands on Nanook, he just let me have it. It sounds odd but I somehow think if that dog isn’t near me, at least in the room, when I fall asleep that my brother won’t be safe. Yes, I’m superstitious in that way. Along with his art projects aimed at me, that Beanie Baby is the best thing he’s ever given me and will be by my side until my days are through.
Then there’s the toy that no one gave me. Well I guess Ronald McDonald did but whatever. It’s this little robot I’ve had since I was 14 years old. Since day one Blink (he cost $1.82, people my age will get it) has been in my purse and has been one of my favorite people. While he is technically a toy, he’s really more human to me than most living and breathing specimens I’ve met over the years. He doesn’t judge or make me cry and he’s always there.
These four aren’t the only toys that sit close to my heart and that make me appear to be a hoarder — oh no, there are plenty more — but these are the ones that have front row seats. That’s why whenever I watch Toy Story 3 and get to the end I, along with 99% of the other people who’ve watched it, can’t help but bawl. I’m sorry but there is no child worth giving my toys to and I don’t care if I’m a grownup by law. She has parents, they can buy her things. No way Bonnie, you would’ve never gotten “Baby Kendra,” my deer, Nanook, or Blink. I know it seems selfish but hey, those are my toys, my memories, my loves. Andy is a far bigger person than I could ever be but really — Woody? I’m still clearly upset about the ending of that.
