I went to put something in my trunk this morning and stopped… where was my stroller? It’s always in the trunk. It wasn’t in my house. Was it stolen out of my car? Think. Think. When did I see it last…

It was Thursday night, when I met my friend and when Spenser said, “Crap!”  Was that his way of telling me I’d left his stroller in the mall parking lot? That’s the only thing I can think of… I’m going to just assume that’s what happened.

Sometimes I feel like I’m losing my mind. I never used to feel like that. I was sharp. I remembered details. I remembered names and places and food and outfits and who gave me what gift and where I’d been that week and if I’d taken my vitamins that day or not – I laughed at the idea of a pill planner.

So, yes, I’m older now. Yes, I have a lot more on my mind. I forget things all the time. I forget where I put clothes (I spent 2 days looking for my bathing suit that I just took out of town and though I thought I’d unpacked it, just found it in my suitcase.) I’m walking around like a poodle because I can’t find my flat iron (why didn’t I put it on the shelf where it belongs?) I go crazy over keeping track of those Natives. I misplace stuff all the time!

But this… driving off without the stroller… it seems so extreme. Then I started thinking about all I do and all I keep track of and realized, it’s amazing I actually DIDN’T lose it SOONER! I’m paying bills, cleaning, eating/feeding, bathing, organizing, working, writing…   right? Being a mom. (OK and getting older.)

I’m not a flighty dummy. These things happen.

(I did go to the mall today check the lost and found. Nothing.)

And most importantly, I have to keep track of a person. Spenser. That’s where my focus goes and where it needs to go. I left a stroller. My very nice, super awesome stroller… but it’s just a thing. It’s replaceable. I don’t even use it that much.

You were awesome, Stroller. You’ve been with us for really special times (because every time I’m with my son is special) and for that reason, I’m feeling sentimental.

I’m sorry I left you in a mall parking lot. I hope whoever took you really needs you and takes good care of you.

“Mama lost troller,” Spenser told my family, with no judgement – just stating a fact. And it’s true. I did.

Please indulge me as I have a little tribute to my trusty old stroller.

(cue music)

First time trying the stroller. About 8 months old:  

an encounter with a balloon:

walking to the market:

1st birthday at the zoo:

On a hot day:

shopping:

Voting:

water:

teething: Farmers Marketing:

Brunching:

Snowing:

Raisin snacking:

Frozen yogurting:

My birthday breakfasting:

Museum-ing:

Cutie pie-ing:

Just being cool:

And being sweet:

and having a huge muffin:

And the last photo I took of Spenser in the stroller, just the other day…

Walking in the rain: