My daughter recently discovered that frenzied panic experienced by a woman who has lost something that is oftentimes more important than her car keys, favorite lipstick or (gasp!) most comfortable bra.
Her purse.
I have made no apologies for my unnatural but ever-so-real infatuation with purses. I always have to be carrying one and covet the contents of my purse with an adoration I should probably only be feeling for my husband and children. It might have something to do with some…ahem…control issues I occasionally experience, but I love having my purse and all its options on my person. Want some gum? No problem. Eyebrows a little too thick? Got your solution. Need a new pair of underpants (a growing problem in my household)? Pick one.
I had no idea that this obsession with having “my stuff” in its handy-dandy carryall would extend onto my daughter but I’ve seen first-hand that it’s most definitely beginning to have an impact.
A couple of days ago we were heading out to do some grocery shopping. Avery, like usual, was lollygaggling her way out of her bedroom.
“Come on, Avery. Time to get a move on,” I said. The milk ain’t gonna hitchhike it’s way here. Unfortunately. But, wouldn’t that be handy?
“Mom…I’m not ready yet. I can’t find my purse,” she explained, biting her lip.
“Avery, you’re 7. I think you’ll probably be just fine if you leave it home this time, hon.”
“No, I really need it. I’ve got some important stuff in there,” she pleads.
“Avery, we’ll have to find it when we get home, okay? We need to get moving.”
Her face fell. “Okay.” With one last resigned look around her she walked over to put her coat on.
At that moment I saw something very familiar. I recognized a very real emotion. The kid needed her purse. And I completely understood that. It didn’t matter so much what was in the purse. What was important was that it mattered to her.
So I helped her find it.

Doesn’t this purse just scream ‘burgeoning fashionista’? And here’s what she was missing.

Yes, I can certainly see why she needed it so badly. What if she got hot and needed some quick fanning? Those grocery stores can be uncomfortably warm and a broken wooden fan would be the obvious choice.

I have oftentimes been away from home and wished I had remembered my rubber frog. My girl earns an A+ for preparedness.

Wow. This girl is prepared for anything.

Frankly, this one doesn’t surprise me at all. After the yo-yo heartbreak I experienced I think she’s attempting to support me and my one and only talent.

The fact of the situation is this. While the contents of her purse will undoubtedly change as frequently as Jack changes his underpants (all too often…trust me) the reason for it stays the same. Avery has discovered the freedom that accompanies carrying a purse. She is beginning the uphill battle from little girl to little lady and has decided that it’ll be an easier fight with a stylish handbag at her side.
I couldn’t be more proud.
Happy Friday,
Mindy





