When I was a little girl, Grandpa, Grandma and I went on a trip to New York.  While we were there, we went to a little fair.  Grandma won a stuffed giraffe for me.  I chose the one “with the broken neck” because I liked his face.  I named him Asil (pronounced A- sill).  Asil slept with me EVERY night for the next ten years or so.  I accidentally lost him in Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  To the pilot’s horror, I jumped up out of my seat, down the aisle, and down the steps leading to the practically ready to take off airplane.

I was inconsolable when we had to take off without him.

Luckily, he was found – looking out a window and he was returned to me.  He is still with me.  But these days, Asil is very old and very fragile.  He likes to sit on a shelf in my closet with the other dolls.

I guess I’m telling you this story to let you know how very long I can love someone. It doesn’t matter how much time passes or how old and run down he looks.  I love him and I always will.