My grandmother was a brilliant seamstress. I was dressed to the nines from the time I could walk, thanks to her talents. She made me special dresses and outfits for every occasion. I remember an adorable baby doll- style top that tied in the back with a big sash and matching flare bottom pants, in a tiny blue print, made especially for a day at Six Flags. I remember my ultra-hip, bell bottom “dark-blue/light-blue” jeans that made me feel oh-so-cool (they started out dark blue at the bottom and graduated to light blue at the top. Yes, tres chic). And somewhere along the way, she ventured into stuffed animals. A fat panda (Pandy), Paddington Bear (complete with little blue jacket and yellow rain hat)…but perhaps her most ambitious project….Suzanne.
She presented Suzanne to me one Christmas morning. I must have been five or so. I remember it like it was yesterday. She was sitting at the end of the formal living room, with Suzanne in her lap. I hugged them both so hard that my grandmother asked me to please loosen my grip. Susanne had on a darling dress with little red kitty’s all over it, trimmed in red rickrack, blond pigtails and beautiful embroidered blue eyes. She even had little black felt mary janes on. She was bigger than me. She was bigger than life.
Why I gave her the name Susanne, I have no idea, but I danced with Susanne, I told her my secrets, I did NOT practice kissing her soiled face like I’d seen on TV, but I suppose if I had, her face would be dirty sort of like it is today. Sometimes I got mad at Suzanne (or my brother, but she took the brunt of my anger), sometimes I felt sad, and Suzanne lovingly soaked up my tears. Over time, we played together less but she sat there happily–content to be my friend.
Alas, I grew up, lost interest in playing house, and along with my other dolls, Susanne was relegated to a dark closet. There she sat quietly for more than two decades–and never did the smile leave her sweet face. When I had children, she resurfaced at my moms house, but no one paid her much attention. She was very patient. Then she made the big move to Charleston and came out for visits. Still, no interest. (But she loved sitting in the midst of all of the excitement anyway.)
But this summer, my girl turned four, and maybe that’s around the age the magic hits, because she DISCOVERED SUSANNE. And asked if she could come to live with us. I have to admit, mom and I were a little teary eyed at Suzanne’s good fortune. Mom even brought out the little antique tea table and staged a tea party for Sassy and Susanne in the garden. We packed her up, she made the trip to Knoxville, got spiffed up with new hairbows and clothes (Oh my, I discovered eyelet bloomer panties that were MINE as a little girl, and the AAA training bra that I HAD TO HAVE even though I SO didn’t, in the 6th grade.) and once again, Susanne has a little friend. She knew if she waited patiently, somebody would ask her to play.
Welcome back Susanne, we love you.
And we look forward to creating many brand new adventures and memories with you.
great story and pics! i remember susanne. she
has held up better than i have!