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There comes a certain age or time frame when people are expected to give up objects that hold
significant value. It could be after a breakup and getting rid of the jewelry he bought you. Or
someone has died, and you sell their miscellaneous things around the house. For me, I have been
expected to let go of my childhood treasure, my "blankie and pilly."
My parents were given my blankie in October of 2004 at my baby shower as a gift, and my
mother bought a child-size pillow at Toys R Us while expecting me to put it in my nursery. They
did not anticipate the emotional connection I would have for a Precious Moments pattern blanket
cut at the end and tied in knots to make fridges or a Little Tikes pillow with a small bear wearing
a pink bow. If you were to ask anyone in my family about my obsession, my siblings would tell
you of the nights we would have to turn around in the car and go back to my grandparents' house
to get my blankie and pilly because I had left it. If you asked my granny, she would laugh and
tell you I carry it everywhere and will probably take it with me on my wedding night.
Why are we expected to give up the things we love even if they seem childish? Why does it have
to be a question of why I still "carry that old thing around" when it makes me happy? Blankie
and Pilly have been two of the main characteristics of my life, and I do not plan on giving them
up anytime soon. They are inanimate objects, making me feel safe and secure. They have been to
every place I have traveled, with me through every phase of my life, and there for me in my most
challenging times. People don't expect others to give up on friendships they have had for
extended periods because you are suppose to cherish the things you love, and I plan to cherish
and love my Blankie and Pilly forever.
Kara Beth Poe is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2027. She is studying political science and communications with a minor in political marketing.