A Long Forgotten Best Friend

  I am worn out, my limbs worn with age have fallen off more than once, and these patches are all that’s keeping me together. No longer a desirable possession that everyone once loved and had to have.

  Once I had a purpose. Once I had a reason for being here. Once……..I was loved.
Now I must be content to stay here on a hard shelf at the back of this dark, musty closet.  I sit here and wait to be noticed. Waiting to be needed, to be wanted once again.

  When I was in better condition and had something to offer, I was never shoved aside, or locked away in a dark place and kept out of the way. I used to be taken everywhere! I was talked to, held often, and loved. That seems so long ago now.
Losing track of time became so easy. I never noticed everyone in the house grow up, and grow so far away from me. It all happened so fast….. too fast.

  I was always there when I was needed. Through every illness, every cut, bruise, and scrape. Through the sad times, and heart breaks, I was there to cling onto and hold tightly. So tightly that there were times when I thought I would break in two. But I didn’t care. I loved that it was me who was making it all better.

  Back then I was also part of countless happy times too! I was included in just about every moment that passed by, happy and sad. I have been soaking wet from tears, and sore from being held onto ever so tightly. My ears are still filled with all the secrets, wishes, and dreams they once heard. My favorite sounds were when I was being told how much that I was loved.

  That was then, back when I was still of some use to everyone. This dark closet has been my home for so long now, I cannot even remember what it is like to see sunlight. Now I………..wait.....what was that?!? The door is slowly opening!! Oh!  Does someone need me?? Can they see me way back here? Arms reach for me and hold me close. Once again I feel the familiar heartbeat, and feel the warm arms surrounding me. I am needed!  It has been too long. I hear soft sobbing and can feel wet tears falling upon me. The wetness doesn’t bother me. It just feels so good to be needed, to be noticed, to feel loved……once again.

  Tonight I sat up straight in my chair during dinner and just listened. Though hardly any food was eaten, things were sounding better after a while. I was hugged once again and my nose received a loud, wet kiss! I was put down while the table was cleared.
And then the phone rang.  A loud shrilling sound that seemed to pierce my ears and interrupt the calmness that was throughout the house once again.

  After it was answered I could hear so many sounds. First yelling, then crying, then very low talking. Finally laughter rang though the house. I heard the phone put back in its cradle. This was followed by feet rushing around, doors opening and closing, and finally the front door banging shut.

  So here I am alone at this long table, the smell of the untouched food lingering in the air. It is getting chilly in here and I long to feel warm arms engulfing me once again. The time seems to drag by, the ticking of the clock is non-stop. Mocking me, reminding me that I am still sitting here alone, and forgotten once again.  I can see the sun coming up over the horizon through the window. And then I hear the key in the lock. Finally! I was not forgotten after all. Footsteps approach but not just one set, this time there are two! Oh boy, more friends to take care of!  The table is cleaned off so fast it is like a whirlwind. I hear muffled laughter coming from the kitchen. It makes me feel so good to hear it again!

  All of a sudden a deep voice asks what to do with me. What I hear next reaches deep down into my heart and rips it apart. “Oh that silly old thing, just open the closet and toss it in!” As I bounce onto the dirty, cold floor, I hope that I am never taken out again. I cannot endure the way that I feel right now. I lay on the floor and let the darkness pull me in.

  A few minutes later my ears suddenly detect a slight creaking noise. I feel myself being picked up and held tightly for a moment. A soft voice whispers; “thank you for always making me feel better……I love you, and I always will.”

  Now I rest comfortably in a very familiar sunlit room. I was gently put down into in a nest of soft blankets, on a chair by a big  window. Snuggling down deeper into the warm blankets, I  look forward to the next time that I can help….…