Retirment Day

Well, my good friends, Couch #2 is on it's way out to pasture. Having joined our family in the summer of 2004, it has served us well for nearly 5 years. It's extra long (just like Elvis') and with the 4-foot long ottoman, it could contain the entire family plus a cat, even to this day.

Alas, it's time for the old guard to step down and make room for the new. There's a large hole where the armest meets the base of the couch and it swallows very important items like keys, remotes, phones and the neighbor kids. There is a hole in the fabric on the armest that was barely noticable, until Lucy made it bigger with a pair of kids scissors.

It's hard, though, to part with it. I grieved as I stretched out on it last night, with the girls snuggled up to me. We bought this couch when Lucy was just born. It's wooly and light brown, so it doesn't show dirt. The cushions are vast and plentiful, perfect for fort building. It's shape is modern and clean looking. Just thinking about moving it out of here is breaking my heart. It's been so central to our lives.

But time marches on. And my parents want to give us their buttercream leather couch, chair and ottoman. It's solid and like new, no holes in this one. Also, the pillows across the back are sewn on, so they won't get flung around the house. And it's leather, so it's hopefully going to be a bit more durable and easy to clean. I'm lucky to inherit such a lovely set of furniture. But still...

The old couch holds so many memories and is so comfy I can't stand to part with it completely. The plan is to move it out into our garage, where our bar is and where the grown-ups hang out. I worry that a mouse might make it's home in there and make it completely unfit for human lounging.

In the long run, it's all for the best. But, damn. I'll miss the good naps and cozy spaciousness Couch #2 offers. So, thank you, old buddy, for cradling me and my babies, for giving my kids fort material and for offering such a cozy spot to snuggle with Doc. I'll never forget you.