Lolly Dolly

What Lolly Is Supposed to Look Like

Lolly Doll

When I was a newborn, the story goes that my mother and grandmother drove to Chattanooga for a shopping trip. Why they would take a one-week-old child on such an adventure is beyond me. Anywho, my Grandma B. bought a Lolly doll for me. Apparently, I immediately went toward the doll. Whether this is exaggerated or total truth is irrelevant. What is known in my family is my childhood love for my Lolly Dolly.

Lolly Dolly lived a rough life. I loved Lolly to death.  She's rather ragged, torn and to any other eyes but mine, ugly. But I loved my Lolly. I slept with her every night, and I'm pretty sure she attended church regularly...as well as pre-school and all outdoor activities. She probably ate a few meals with me and watched the Cosby Show on Thursday nights. Lolly was the best doll. She went swimming in the creek, rode in the wagon, and played in the dirt. She had countless "baths" in the washing machine, I'm sure.

When I was about seven-years-old, my parents decided Lolly needed to rest. I remember leaving her on my bed before leaving for school. When I got home, Lolly was missing. I was told I must have misplaced her. (Yes...it's true....my parents lied to me....) I looked all over for Lolly. It was a sad state of affairs for the household that night.

Several years later, I found Lolly in the back of my dad's closet. My mother explained they had to 'rescue' Lolly before she was completely destroyed.  I keep her tucked away in a trunk now and rarely remember her...except tonight.

Tonight I saw an advertisement for a children's clothing company called Lolly Wolly...or something to that affect. My first thought was "Lolly!" The Web site had nothing to do with dolls. However, just seeing the name Lolly brought back such sweet memories of a blessed childhood full of sunshine, warmth, and love.

My Lolly Dolly