But first, let's talk Idol. I think it's totally unfair to do a rock theme this far into the competition. Rock is such a specific genre, and it's a genre that you can't fake. Country? Totally easy to fake. Pop? Hello, it's as generic as chicken anyway, so it's an effortless fake-out. But rock? Only real rockers can do rock convincingly. Two of the three strongest left on AI are NOT rockers, so this week was really unfair to them. I love Kris. Vote for Kris. Thank you.
And second, let's talk about She Speaks. I'm attending, and I'm stoked. More about this tomorrow.
Now, let's talk Duckie. Duckie is Ruby's beloved comfort object. Ruby received Duckie from my mom when she was a little more than a year old...probably close to one year ago, actually. Since then, Duckie has been a beloved companion, especially at betime.
I think my sentiments can be best expressed in a letter directly to Duckie.
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My Dearest Duckie,
I wish I knew if you were a girl or a boy. I instinctually call you "she." Ruby, however, maintains that you're a boy. Do you feel this crisis deep within you? For Ruby's sake, I've been trying very hard to use the proper masculine pronoun lately. Anyway, the red gingham bow around your neck doesn't scream, "MANLY!", but I'm down with personal expression, so I'll let it slide...this time.
You know this afternoon when Ruby asked me to hold you during our drive to Terre Haute? I thought it was really cute, since I always ask her to hold you during our car rides. You and I know that it's a ploy to get her to sleep during our drive, but she's currently none-the-wiser. Thank you for going along with my scheme. I'm sure her sweaty arms aren't all that comfortable, and I've personally witnessed the unnatural angles at which you are forced to rest. I truly appreciate the sacrifice. My hours of peaceful driving are a great treasure to me.
While I was holding you this afternoon, I realized my level of gratitude and, consequently, my lack-luster efforts at showing you my gratitude. As I gave you kisses and hugs (much to Ruby's squealing delight), I realized that you have a special place in my heart, as well as Ruby's. As your soft fur tickled my cheek, I got a little teary eyed. All of a sudden, it became very clear to me that, one day, Ruby will outgrow her need for you. It also became clear to me that she might very well outgrow her need for you before I outgrow my need for you.
What will I do then? What will I do when Ruby is feeling under the weather and she needs someone to sleep and cuddle with her? (Someone who won't mind being puked on and subsequently run through the washer and dryer.) What will I do when Ruby falls, scrapes her knee, and Mommy's kiss is not a good enough remedy? (Your kisses carry an extra punch, sweet Duckie.) Who will be Ruby's accomplice to make me laugh? (Like when you were "cleaning" Ruby this afternoon? I couldn't stop laughing as she rubbed your beak all over her cheeks and chin, squealing "Stop Duckie! That's tickling me!" Then, when I heard her whimper a little bit, I said, "What's wrong, Ruby?" She said that you were too rough, so I asked you to be gentle. Then, Ruby said, "Duckie will give me a kiss. That will make me all better.") Seriously, Duck, who will do that with her in the future? Who will make me laugh until I'm worried that I need to pull over for a pit stop? And my biggest fear? Who is going to help her when her aches get bigger? The first time a boy breaks her heart...who will "make her all better"? I don't think Daddy and I will be able to heal that hurt.
Perhaps I'll pull you out of storage and ask you to offer your comforting services one last time. Or maybe I won't pull you out again until Ruby is a mother. Will you be her first baby's first lovie? Or maybe she'll never put you in storage. I know grown adults who still sleep with their "blankies". Perhaps you will always be Ruby's companion.
I'm not sure of your future (or ours), but I am thankful for the present. You are a cherished and welcome piece of this family, dearest Duckie. We love you!!
~Ruby's Mommy
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What about you all? Do/Did you have a lovie? What about now? How about your children? Tell me about your "duckies".
Do you like us? Well? Do ya? Do ya?
Love Mercy
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