I got a phone call yesterday from the Canadian Diabetes Association to remind me that they were doing a pickup in our area and that I had previously offered to donate some items. I figured it was a chance for me to clean out my closet and see what still fits and that I can wear for Christopher's baptism on Sunday. I filled 2 bags with stuff, and I was surprised by what I came across, and how many stories & memories I had for some of the clothes that I found.

The first thing that I came across was my old high school kilt - good ol' Bennies blue! I can't believe that I still have it, and I really can't believe that I ever fit into it!!! I even had extra holes put into the buckles because it was too big for me! Crazy stuff! It made me think of lots of stuff... cards in the hallway, poker in the caf during spares, decorating lockers for birthdays and breaking into lockers for birthdays(!), melting m&m's with Ines, disecting pigs in science (ew), and so much more! Oh to be young again and not have a care in the world!

Next thing was a bridesmaid dress that I wore for Maureen & Brian's wedding in, I think, 1994. That was a fun day! Even though Maureen is my aunt, she and Lorraine are more like sisters to me. It made me think of growing up with them back in Scotland... going to Asda and getting the free record that Rice Krispies were offering (Total Eclipse of the Heart!), listening to Spandau Ballet and Thompson Twins, and how they never made fun of me when I pretended to be Boy George and sang along with Culture Club! We used to listen to the top ten and watch Top of the Pops, walk to the chip shop where Edie knew exactly what I always wanted. There are so many little things that I remember about growing up with them, and I can't list them all, but I thank Lorraine & Maureen for just letting me be me... silliness and all!

Then I found a gift that I received for Christmas about 12 years ago.... a very special and thoughtful gift. I have always liked homemade stuff, and Kim decided that year to make me a sweatshirt and personalize it for me. Its a peach/pink colour and oh so very pretty with my name on it and other creative effects that she put on there as a 7 year old. I'm sure I wore it that day, and maybe one other time, but I must have put it into my closet to keep it safe?!?! Anyways, it made me think about the day Kim was born, when my dad called and told me first that I had a baby sister! I cried, and all I thought about was all the stuff that sisters can do together, all the fun we could have! I never thought about the 11 year difference, all I cared about was my little sister. Anyways, looking at the sweatshirt, I thought about Kim at 7 years old, how she was so sweet and innocent and that she hadn't yet been corrupted by the world! I think about her now, and I am so thankful that she has never stopped being sweet and is only corrupted a little bit! She is a strong person, with such a great personality, that I consider myself very lucky to have her as a friend as well as a sister. Maybe I'll wear the sweatshirt this Christmas....

Would I ever go back to the days when I was in high school and had nothing to worry about? Do I ever wish I had done anything differently? Nope, because at the back of my closet hangs my wedding dress. It made me think about that day 8 years ago when Jason and I got married, and all of the good stuff that's happened since then. Even though life isn't perfect, I have a wonderful husband, two incredible kids, and I know I'm lucky to have them.

So that kilt, bridesmaids dress, sweatshirt and wedding dress helped to shape me into the person that I am today. Yep, I put them all back into the closet. No way can I ever part with any of them.

And I even found something to wear for the christening!