It was love at first sight. . .

We met at the local hardware store. My family always went to town on Saturday afternoon as most families did in the small New Mexico town of Carlsbad where I grew up. We went to visit with friends and neighbors, do a little window shopping and sometimes drop by the corner drug store for a cherry coke. I always begged my parents to let me go across the street from the drug store to the hardware store. Upon entering the store, I always climbed the stairs to the second floor. There is where the toys were housed. In large glass cases were the most beautiful dolls I had ever seen. I was especially smitten with a beautiful bride doll. I am pretty sure she liked me, too, and wanted to go home with me. For months, I would make my weekly visit to the dolls, each time praying she had not been sold to some other little girl. Then, one afternoon I came home from school and there standing on our dining room table was my doll!! My sweet sister, Myra, had bought her for me. I will never forget that moment and will always be grateful to my sister for that wonderful surprise. I wish I could say I still have my doll, but down over the years, we lost contact. I am not sure what happened to her, but she will always have a special place in my heart. What special toy or present from your childhood will you always remember and cherish? Wishing you all the happiness in the world! Love and blessings to you!