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Unpacking

Yesterday I spent a few hours bringing various household goods out from the garage and into the house. I was in search of several particular items.

1. Keely- Keely is Sadie's stuffed mountain lion. Keely is bedraggled, floppy, missing a nose. Actually, she was originally Jane's. Her Uncle Brent bought Keely for her when she was three or four and we had gone to the San Diego Zoo. I can't remember who all went or how old Jane was or if Mike was deployed or not BUT... I can remember a Black Rhino spraying urine clear out into the middle of the walking path. It was impressive. Any way, I really digress. Keely was loved by Jane but when Sadie was three she became incredibly attached to Keely. Keely was actually originally named Wilbur by Sadie Jean. We loved that name and we were sad when she changed it. We love the name Keely now too. Keely has been a major part of our life ever since. We have had to talk Sadie out of taking it on a few trips,-overseas, camping, etc... deeply fearing her loss. There was a time that Sadie would not go to bed without Keely. Luckily we are to the age where we can reason with Sadie and Keely just has to be nearby most of the time. I made the mistake of putting Keely into one of the toy boxes during the move and Sadie has been begging for her for two weeks. Yesterday I promised the patient Sadie (no, really, she has been patient. Yes, I'm talking about Sadie) that I would find Keely. Keely is now safely wrapped in Sadie's arms and sleeping till 10 just like her faithful friend.

2. Ellyn's bead toy. It's from Ikea. It's beads that string along hard wires and Adina and Uncle Dave gave it to Ellie for Christmas one year. Ellyn loves it. Sawyer loves. Had to find it.

3. Books. I had to find some more books for my book shelf. Happily, I had underestimated the amount of space I would have to fill.

Now I am still missing my home phones and a few other very important items but these were the top of my priority list.

As I was digging through too many boxes of books to mention (we have issues), I felt tears fill my eyes. I was holding a beautiful hardback book. I caressed the cover, it felt smooth and sturdy in my hands. I could smell the book smell that I love like I love my own beating heart. I looked down at the stack I had waiting for me. Books I haven't read yet, books I had read and couldn't bear leaving in a dark box in the garage. Love for the printed word filled my entire being. I am incredibly blessed to have had so many books in my life, to have filled countless hours with reading. Exploring this world and imaginary worlds, history, people, adventures, mysteries, through paper and ink. Thank you mom. You were the one that started me on the journey. Way back when I decided all I wanted to do was live in a log cabin and listen to Pa play the violin while we sat around the kitchen fire.

I have not been much of a reader these past few years. It has been close to impossible and probably for the best. Life has been busy and has demanded my constant attention. By life I mean my kids, husband, house, etc... Mike is going to be busy with homework now. I am not going to have to spend so much time commuting, Ellyn's programs are mostly in place, I'm thinking I'm going to find time to read again and the thought thrills me. I want my kids to see me read. I want them to love to read as much as I do. I want us all to read together. Let the reading begin!

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