To my American Girl Doll,
I want you to know that I haven’t forgotten you. For years, you’ve been sitting in my closet surrounded by old clothes and storage. You might think my time with you is over and that I've moved on. But even though I no longer play with you, you’ll always be an important part of my life.
I remember the day we first met. I had been waiting for that day since I picked you out from the magazine. As I pulled away the wrapping paper and saw your eyes through the box, my face lit up with excitement. You weren’t just any doll -- you symbolized a 4-year-old girl’s dream of growing up. I finally had you. I was finally a big girl.
Throughout my childhood, you were always there. You sat next to me in the car on the way to the American Girl Store, where we had a tea party and picked out new outfits for you. You accompanied me on playdates, where we played with my friends and their dolls. We walked into kindergarten together with matching outfits on my birthday. We’d sit on my bed for hours; I’d style your hair and change your clothes. And at night, I tucked you into your bed. You meant so much to me.
But at some point, I outgrew you. I stopped dressing you up and taking care of you. Your products stopped making my wish lists. Your hair became matted and l left you laying on the floor. Eventually, I put you in the closet to make my bedroom look more grown up. It was as simple as that. I grew up, and you didn’t.
It’s been years since I’ve taken you out, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten you. During my time with you, I learned a lot about the world and my place in it. I learned that I can be anything I want to be -- a ballerina, a soccer player, a friend, and more. Your stories showed me how to be brave and courageous. I learned that everybody is special no matter where they come from. Thanks to you, I learned to grow up into a strong, confident young woman.
You are more than just a doll. You are a generational role model. That is why, someday, I’ll take you out of the closet. I’ll give you one last hug, and then I’ll pass you down to another little girl, who will love and learn from you as I did.
Hugs,
Your human girl
