As Luciana’s Mamgee, (and more recently re-named Mahwah, by her highness,) I have had the honor of sharing many an hour snuggling her in my plush, lush, beloved red robe. If ever I am without it at nap or bed time, there is a soft longing look and the words ‘red robe?’ from her little rose petal mouth, in various stages of articulation.
Several months ago, red robe was showing signs of dilapidation that weren’t in alignment with previous robes’ lives and so I sought to check in at the store where I bought it to see if this was normal. An expedition to the store led me to another sigh of ‘Oh my, more changes since those years when I used to actually shop!’ as the store was gone and in its place was a baby and toddler version of the same company. As I left this wonderland of bedroom paraphernalia for children, I peripherally caught sight of a row of tiny fluffy robes, exactly like my own. I investigated. My heart leapt and laughed at the thought of Luciana and her very own robe! Soft blues and lavendars and pink! The price was too high. Ahhhh, okay. Way way out of sight for my life right now, but I would wait and see and not forget.
A few weeks ago I had an appointment which landed me in the very same garage that I had parked in on my robe mission. I could not resist checking in on the robes, to see if they still existed. There they were, on a half price sale and a pink one in Luciana’s size sitting right in front. I asked the sales woman to hold it for me, which she could only do for one day during the sale. I could not afford this in any way, and even if I could, needed to be still with the notion. I climbed the stairs of the garage, imagining Luciana, and then, there on the very top step, was a twenty dollar bill. Oh! Thank you angels and thank you, God!
And so, for these weeks between the angel intervention and Luciana’s birthday, yesterday, Luciana and I have been discussing the fact that one day she might have her very own robe. One day when she’s a little bit bigger! Wonder and delight pass over her eyes at the mention and then yesterday, in a big box, yes!
I will never forget the moment that Luciana realized what this soft fluffy thing in the fancy box with the satin bow was. She stopped breathing, silently put it on over her dress and with feelings too overwhelming to socialize, she went to find her pile of books and made herself at home.