"It lasts for always."
Today, Kaya was looking on her bookshelf, and chose a book we have never read together before: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. This is my very favorite story; I love it so much that I own at least four different copies (different sizes and illustrations, same text). I hadn't read this book to Kaya as of yet because it is too long to hold her attention at this point, and also because I can't even read it silently to myself without sobbing. The part that chokes me up the most is when the skin horse talks about becoming real.
Because she chose it, we sat on the sofa and began to read. She got enough of the gist to go grab her own beloved Bunny and squeeze her tight, but, as I suspected, she got restless about half-way through the story. Which was fine by me, because we were about to get to the very sad part.
You see, I have a velveteen rabbit. Cowie has been with me since I was two years old, and I still don't think I could do without her. I distinctly remember going to Stewart's department store with my parents and seeing Cowie on a display. She drew me to her; I fell in love instantly. I reached up and took her down, hugged her and ran to my mom, begging please, can we buy this cow? She was expensive, but I was a very loved little girl, and of course I got my cow, who I named Cowie in the car on the way home. (Mom later told me that she had previously seen Cowie, had also fallen in love with her, and planned to give her to me for Christmas.)
Cowie slept with me until I was about 21 years old, and currently hangs out on my bookshelf (not because she is no longer loved, but to protect her from a rambunctious dog and a cat who pees on things.) I admit that she is horribly neglected, but when she catches my eye, I can't resist spending a little quality time with her. She still has that wise sparkle in her eye.
Kaya has Bunny, who was given to her by her big brother Phil. I think she was about six months old when she plucked Bunny from her pile of stuffed guys, and a love affair began. Bunny goes everywhere, and is usually filthy, though Grammy gives her regular baths in the washing machine. I spend a good deal of my time looking for Bunny and insisting she stay in the car during outings, constantly fearful of losing this precious friend.
The Velveteen Rabbit is so rich with emotion, the themes so touchingly explored, it is a treasure. To teach children about unconditional love and acceptance on a level they can really grasp, and in such a deep yet simple way, well . . . it is a classic for a reason.
We visited my in-laws while I was pregnant, and would you believe my mother-in-law had a serigraph by Sister Mary Corita featuring the excerpt on "what is real?" Of course I noticed it, and as she loves to do, she gave it to me. It hangs in Kaya's room.
Cowie and Bunny may be shabby looking, but they are loved, and they are real.
Because she chose it, we sat on the sofa and began to read. She got enough of the gist to go grab her own beloved Bunny and squeeze her tight, but, as I suspected, she got restless about half-way through the story. Which was fine by me, because we were about to get to the very sad part.
You see, I have a velveteen rabbit. Cowie has been with me since I was two years old, and I still don't think I could do without her. I distinctly remember going to Stewart's department store with my parents and seeing Cowie on a display. She drew me to her; I fell in love instantly. I reached up and took her down, hugged her and ran to my mom, begging please, can we buy this cow? She was expensive, but I was a very loved little girl, and of course I got my cow, who I named Cowie in the car on the way home. (Mom later told me that she had previously seen Cowie, had also fallen in love with her, and planned to give her to me for Christmas.)
Cowie slept with me until I was about 21 years old, and currently hangs out on my bookshelf (not because she is no longer loved, but to protect her from a rambunctious dog and a cat who pees on things.) I admit that she is horribly neglected, but when she catches my eye, I can't resist spending a little quality time with her. She still has that wise sparkle in her eye.
Kaya has Bunny, who was given to her by her big brother Phil. I think she was about six months old when she plucked Bunny from her pile of stuffed guys, and a love affair began. Bunny goes everywhere, and is usually filthy, though Grammy gives her regular baths in the washing machine. I spend a good deal of my time looking for Bunny and insisting she stay in the car during outings, constantly fearful of losing this precious friend.
The Velveteen Rabbit is so rich with emotion, the themes so touchingly explored, it is a treasure. To teach children about unconditional love and acceptance on a level they can really grasp, and in such a deep yet simple way, well . . . it is a classic for a reason.
We visited my in-laws while I was pregnant, and would you believe my mother-in-law had a serigraph by Sister Mary Corita featuring the excerpt on "what is real?" Of course I noticed it, and as she loves to do, she gave it to me. It hangs in Kaya's room.
Cowie and Bunny may be shabby looking, but they are loved, and they are real.
posted by Bridgett | 10:58 AM
1 Comments:
I love that book, too. So does the squeaker, but only recently has he been able to sit through the whole thing. I think he is in love with the fairy!
I also have my own Velveteen rabbit - my sheep (daddylamb...lol). I confess that I slept with him for about 10 years longer than you kept Cowie in your bed! I only gave him up because I had the squeaker in my bed. Now daddylamb stays in my nightstand drawer. And on nights when I can't sleep, I STILL pull him out and snuggle with him. :)
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