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 thinkyou’llprobably be justfine 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 muchwhat was in the purse. What was importantwas 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 girlearns an A+ forpreparedness.
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
Very sweet! A girl has got to be prepared . . . right? 🙂
I know EXACTLY how she feels. I cant go anywhere without a purse, really anywhere. I have to be able to tote piles of useless crap around including but not limited to at least 10 lipsticks at any given time. Now, I dont wear at least half of them but I NEED them.
Ohh this brought me to tears! I have four little girls and have experienced that exact situation with my soon-to-be four year old. That “real” emotion, as you described it, will make even a mom who’s running 30 min late for work stop EVERYTHING to get what that little girl needs. So sweet. SOrry for the ramble, carry on.
Hey, a girls got needs! I love your lines about the milk hitch hiking and does anyone need some underwear…funny!
That purse is too cute!! And many times I’ve needed those exact same items. Lol. I too, would feel lost without my purse at my side.
♥Spot
this is too funny! i wish we lived closer so the girls could meet -this so sounds like sweet pea! she likes to pack dolls, silly putty, some ribbon and on occassion a nickel or two 😉
but i know that panicked feeling! oh what would I do w/ out my trusty purse? it’s better than a security blanket and there’s probably one in there if you were interested….i’m just saying
You are SUCH a nice mama. I love that you understood her pain and helped her out despite your hurry. And that purse is precious.
There will be an award waiting for you at my place in the am.
Awwww, she is growing up. 🙂
Too funny! Makes me glad, though, that I don’t have to do that stuff with my Son. I’m just the opposite: wallet in my back pocket, and I’m ready to go! 😉
You simply have to respect a woman who knows that in order to be ready for the world that you must have a green plastic frog available.
Kids and their purses crack me up. My fiance’s daughter has lip gloss and candy in hers…and she still freaks when she loses it, even for a second. I’m thinking, “Hon, you don’t even know the half of what losing a real purse is!”
Do you not remember the crying purse episode with your sister and her dad when she was little? The whole family waited in the car while Brandy searched the house for her purse and all she had in it was a pencil!
Too cute! The things we pass on to the kiddos. Purses are so important, no matter what is really in them. Love the frog!