Worn, faded, and full of love

Spring cleaning is underway and the criteria is clear. Sort what you've got into one of three categories: keep, recycle, or trash.

There's plenty that's suitable for recycling, things long overdue for the rubbish bin, and more than enough to keep. But there's one item that's tugged at my heart all week.

The old, tattered Raggedy Ann that sits on a shelf in the back of the closet.

She's faded, her clothes have yellowed, and there are stains on her cotton face, mitten hands, and apron. Her right boot, slight in stuffing, is hand-stitched in place with mismatched fabric.

So as I do with each item I come across, I look her over and consider what to do, and know, I'm far from that little girl she came to live with.

When I push aside the yellowed collar of her floral dress to find what I know is there, the simple red outline of a heart nearly beats when I read the words "I Love You" printed inside it's border, and the answer is clear.

She's a keeper.

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