Hard To Let Go

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There comes a point for every parent when they glance around their home and realize, “My kids are growing up and we don’t need all this stuff!”

Most of our baby stuff has been passed along to other friends with children, donated to charities or held onto for the next baby. After our third son, my husband and I were certain that our family was complete.

I had not had much experience with the children’s resale store but some friends had recommended that I check it out when it was time to let go of some of my larger items. So one afternoon, I loaded up some baby clothes, newborn toys and my Pack 'n Play and headed off to the store.

The clothes and toys were easy to sell but I loved my Pack 'n Play. Just one glance reminded me of the small baby that used to kick his feet and babble to the hanging toys.

I had taken pristine care of it. I always used a waterproof pad and extra sheet to protect the material.

It had breathable mesh sides and a roll-down shade to offer a darker area for the sleeping baby. It was free from stains or tears.

It was in perfect shape. It was as good as the day that I brought it home.

I was almost eight months pregnant with my second child when a friend invited me to lunch. When I arrived, there were two other friends waiting to surprise me as they joined us, with a gift. They presented me with a brightly wrapped box that held my new Pack 'n Play.

This was an amazing piece of baby equipment. It was a crib, a changing table, and a playpen all wrapped into one perfect navy, tan and brown plaid piece of baby furniture. Not to mention that it folded up into a carrying bag which made it perfect for travel.

We had borrowed one with our first son. Now, thanks to my friends, we had our very own.

We used it with both our two younger boys, six years in total. In our house, it was set up in the living room and used all the time for playing or napping.

It also accompanied us on many family trips. While we slept in our hotel beds, our baby would snore and cuddle his stuffed friend in a familiar bed of his own.

All these wonderful memories flooded my mind when the store employee told me they would be happy to buy it and made an offer. I slowly agreed and knew that would be the last time that I saw the item that reminded me of so many happy times.

We filled out the paperwork and I was given the cash. I turned to walk out of the store, careful not to look back.

I felt so sad. I didn’t know why. My kids were too old for a baby crib. Wasn’t I happy that they were growing up?

Maybe that was it. They were growing up right before my eyes.

The last thing I saw before I drove away was the employee inside the store with a big smile and a price tag. She taped it on my Pack 'n Play and displayed it near the front door. Soon, it would bring another family memories and happiness.

But I still cried my entire drive home. Sometimes it is just hard to let go.

Edited by Jody Smith

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