I was 4 years old when Pearl came to stay with me. I remember it well. It was Christmas day. I opened one of my packages from Santa & there she was. My mother remarked how we looked like twins!
Pearl & I became inseparable. We'd have tea parties, picnics in the back yard, & go for walks & bike rides in the neighborhood. I'd take her along with me when I went to visit cousins or on weekends in the summer when I'd go with my parents to our cabin in Marienville, PA. We slept together every night. When I started school, I remember the heartbreak of having to leave her at home.
Time passed. I don't know what became of Pearl, but I've always missed her. I've been searching for her throughout the years without any luck. Oh sure, I'd find Pearl lookalikes from time to time, but my Pearl was special. She was an original with soft rubbery skin stuffed with heaven knows what. Her arms & legs were not jointed. She was wonderful!
I was online a little over a week ago when I mosied over to eBay ... not someplace I usually go ... & I decided to try searching for Pearl again. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her in a listing! Yes, there she was! All 17" of her in great condition (the years had been good to her) wearing her favorite babushka & polka dot dress. She even still had her original underwear ... clean, of course : ) I wrote to the seller asking for clarification that this was indeed "my Pearl" but I couldn't wait ... I went ahead & made a bid anyhow. It was the minimum bid. I figured people would overbid me but I planned to keep on bidding until I got her.
Last week I received a notification in my inbox. I had won the auction! No one else had made a bid! I couldn't believe it! I couldn't click the PayPal button fast enough!
Pearl has arrived! We have so much catching up to do! One of the first things we did was have a tea party just like we used to : )
I am going to show her how to cross stitch this weekend. I think she'll like that : )
It's nice to have my friend back : )
17 comments:
Yay for you & Pearl!!! I have a tender spot for my "Baby Beans" doll my mom gave me when I was in the hospital. I'd never had my own doll before because I always got my sisters' hand-me-downs. Mom would borrow her & place her in a basket with some greenery to represent baby Moses in the bullrushes for her 1st grade Sunday school class. I don't have her anymore, but every time I see one like her it makes me smile.
I don't remember anything about my childhood. You're lucky that you found your old friend, just when you need her. Haven't heard babushka since mom passed! Love that pie safe.
I'm so glad you found your friend again!
Sounds like Pearl showed up at the right time in your life. It is funny how those childhood memories affect us now. I think Pearl will bring you much happiness! She is a cutie!
Enjoy and it is cheaper than therapist so have your little chats!!! and tea!!!!
Precious! I hope you two have a good weekend stitching and catching up. ;)
How fun! I'm so glad you and Pearl are getting reacquainted.
Awww...I'm getting all choked up here. I have a "Pearl" too. Her name is Polly. My grandmother and I would have tea parties and she was always invited.
Polly is now in my grandmother's rocker in my living room. She's still in her cool weather clothes though. I bought her a new outfit yesterday.
I must sound like a nut here...but I'm sure you understand how special a girl's doll is as she grows up.
~hugs
Aww so sweet..really I am in tears...so glad that you found her..she is so special and a very dear friend..
Sending you big hugs too xxx
How super to reconnect with your dear friend !!!
Oh that's great Shirlee! Good for you. Have fun with the cross stitch lesssons. ;)
I love pearl so happy that you found her again, hugs.
That is so amazing. Pearl is home again.
How wonderful.
She is beautiful.
Have a wonderful time with your old friend.
Woolie hugs
So sweet Shirlee. I am so happy to see your and your long lost friend reunited. Do let us know how the stitching lessons go. :o)
That is such a sweet story, Shirlee--I'm sure Pearl is delighted to be reunited with you, too :)
How fun! Enjoy your time catching up!
That is so sweet - I still have my bride doll from when I was a little girl. Very special.
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