What brings you comfort?

For my son Jude, his baby blanket "Bluey" has afforded him a life-long sense of security. Gifted to him as an infant, Bluey has been Jude's trusted companion, confidant, and snuggle buddy for over 17 years.

This morning, as he was getting ready for another day of senior year, Jude held in his hand one of the puppy patches that was part of Bluey's whimsical design until this morning. Its stitches had been loved right off the tattered remains of this soft, cotton lovey.

I'm a wee bit of an emotional roller coaster these days so it didn't surprise me in the least to feel tears brimming my eyes as I thought about all the ways this cherished object has comforted my child.

Often nestled close to Jude's heart, Bluey has been privy to my son's deep questions, to his sadness and pain, to his dream-filled sleep.

Bluey is what Jude held through the confusion of my divorce, the angst of losing a beloved pet, and many moments when life plain sucked.

Bluey has also shared in the joy of road trips and getaways, visits to family and faraway places.

I know one thing to be true: Bluey and Jude share unconditional love.

As I sit beside what most would see as a pile of scraps, I can't help but wonder how it might feel to offer my own body, mind, and breath the kind of deep care Jude has shown his blanket.

What if I held myself softly and cried more often?

What if I rode the wave of all my emotions to completion rather than stopping part way because something needed doing?

What if I listened to the whispers of tension, tugging, and discomfort in my body and thanked them for signaling to me that I need rest?

What if I celebrated the parts of me that feel awesome?

What if?

If you had (or still have) an object that brings you comfort, drop me a note to share!

I cherish each of you,

Jennifer (she/her)

What if you scheduled some time to be comforted?