Show & Tell: 11 years ago today...

[ETA:  Image has been removed.]

...(which was also a Sunday) I POAS -- and a second blue line immediately popped into view.

My life would never be the same again.

I told the story of that day here last year, on the 10th "anniversary" of that day. And although the story ultimately did not have a happy ending, with the stillbirth of our daughter on August 7th that year (1998), I will never forget the utter shock & giddy joy of that moment.

I thought today would be a good time to share something special from my "Katie collection." Katie's nursery theme was to have been Classic Pooh, and Classic Pooh remains dear to my heart. I still find myself buying things that have a Classic Pooh theme, although

I don't remember exactly when I got this music box, but I've had it for several years now. I spotted it at Birks, which is Canada's answer to Tiffany's -- a high-end jewelry & giftware store. It was expensive, around $100, but the moment I lay eyes on it, I knew I had to have it. I brought it to the counter, beaming, & the clerk asked, "Is it a gift? Shall I wrap it up?" "Oh no, this is for me," I said happily, & she gave me a kind of a funny look.

I keep it on top of the armoire in my bedroom, along with a framed photo of Katie with dh, my mom & me, & a few other Katie-related treasures. I wind it up & let the music play every week when I dust... (OK, whenever I dust, lol).

The box shows Pooh, Christopher Robin & Piglet watching ducks on a pond from a bridge. When you wind up the music box, the ducks go round & round under the bridge, as the song "Little Black Rain Cloud" (!!) plays.

The inscription around the bottom was, for me, the kicker: it reads: "Promise you won't forget me ever."

Katie, as long as Mommy & Daddy are here, you won't ever be forgotten. We promise. xoxo