She was my childhood treasure. When I was five she was the only gift for Christmas that would satisfy.
Of course like most kids at that age there was no knowledge of the cost of things. I just knew that if she was mine I would love her forever.
When Christmas morning arrived she was not under the tree. Trying to not be sad was hard. I had really thought Santa would bring her.
After the opening of the other presents my dad called me into the kitchen. There was a box standing by the cupboard. She was inside. My child's heart nearly burst with joy and surprise. She was so beautiful.
Many years later my mother told me that she had stood in line for several hours to buy this special gift. At that time in her life money was not plentiful. It was a true sacrifice of love.
Cathy became my constant companion...when I went to town she came along...if I stayed overnite at my grandparents she stayed too. She was well worn and my Dad eventually had to hold her together with electrical tape. I don't recall all the things she would say but I do remember she would tell me she loved me. I needed to hear it. I pulled her string so often that eventually her voice changed and I love you came out sounding like loverty. It became a pet name that dad called mom. He still does after all these years.
Time has moved on and I no longer am 5 but 55. I've been through some changes and so has Cathy. I had to touch up her face and put in a few freckles that had faded with age. She no longer says "loverty" but her eyes still sparkle. When I have a bad day she is still there to listen.
She is a treasured part of my past. A reminder of my parents' love for me.
So glad I could share her with you today. God Bless !
