American Girl

Our local mall just got an American Girl store. I would have loved that store when I was a little girl. I remember seeing the catalogs when Waverly was a baby and thinking that one very special day, I would take her in and let her pick out her very own doll. I would treat her to a lunch at the cafe with her doll in a highchair next to the table.

I hate walking by the store and I do all I can to avoid it. However, the mall is flooded with little girls carrying their dolls. I can't escape the bright red bags. That store embodies the loss of a dream for me. I suppose it is silly to think an over priced toy can cause such sadness, but it is a reminder that things just haven't turned out as I had hoped.

Waverly & I were at the mall together this afternoon. We had a few errands to run and fortunately we didn't have to venture near the AG store. Yet when we left, we drove right by it. There is a nice patio area for the cafe and there were a few moms and little girls sitting outside enjoying lunch. The dolls were in the highchairs with little place settings. I cried. I looked in the mirror and saw Waverly happily chewing on her Chewease in her car seat, oblivious to all that she is missing.

Comments

The Leivas said…
I have the same feelings about American Girl. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to have a store so close by. I get so bitter listening to friends complain about how expensive they are if only I could share that experience with my daughter. I struggle to find things we can do together that I know Olivia enjoys but it is becoming such a challenge.
Mike and Sarah said…
So heartbreaking. I'm so sorry for this difficult journey your family is on.
Joanne Huff said…
Oh Shannon, my eyes are welling up with tears as I read this. The layers of loss with this disease are really devestating. Some layers are tangible, others more idealistic. We took Sasha to the fair a couple of nights ago and a little girl was holding her parents hand looking at the rides. It made me so sad. I wanted to know what ride Sasha would want to go on. I wanted to know what her favorite fair food would be. And I just wanted to know what it would feel like to be a "typical parent". Thinking of you all as we go through this journey. xoxo, Joanne
Amy B said…
I'm so sorry Shannon... death of a dream is a bitch. I've had one too and I hate it. H A T E I T.

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