This is Blankee.
I have had him since I was 7.
He was from the 80s craze ‘Yawnies’ collection. Did you have a Yawnie? Apparently my guy has a name other than Blankee but that’s what I called him. (His name was Snoozy the Bear. I never called him that)
He was a gift from Santa and I loved him very much. I have kept very few stuffed animals over the years. Between puppies who liked to eat Care Bears, moving houses and apartments, and general decisions to not keep everything I have ever owned, I simply only have a few left.
Blankee is one of them. He used to be in my cedar chest that has moved with me since I moved out of my parents. Then, when I moved in with Andy, he was unpacked and found a comfortable home sitting on my dresser.
His ‘burn’ scars are from our time in that apartment when he fell behind the side table and was against the baseboard heater. Luckily it wasn’t for long (hello fire hazard) but the damage was done. He was rescued, I cried (yes, at 22 years old!) but realized he was still in one piece and he found a happy place again.
He has found new snuggles, something he has been missing for many years, with my children. My son in particular has taken a liking to him, taking him to bed and hanging out with him. His burnt features don’t seem to bother the kids and it makes me happy to see Blankee is well loved again.
This was a Santa gift that has always meant something to me. This is what I hope my children will have with one or two or many of their gifts over the years. I want them to have something that when they move out and away they still have a piece of home, of their childhood to turn to.
Blankee will be around for a while. And oh, the stories he has to tell.
