I’ve missed writing every day, but felt as though when I hit day 365, I was done and there wasn’t much left for this blog. I think about writing most days, checking out the daily prompts hoping that something would go off like a flashbulb in my head.  Today it happened, light bulb moment, when I read the daily prompt!

Many of us had imaginary friends as young children. If your imaginary friend grew up alongside you, what would his/her/its life be like today?

Having a sister a year older and one a year younger than me, it wouldn’t have occurred to me to have an imaginary friend–there was always someone to play with when I was little. I do remember though, my youngest sister, Jen (seven years younger than me), did have an imaginary friend.  Her name was Chrissy.

Circa 1974 Jen was on the swing set in our backyard; you know the old metal ones that were barely tethered to the ground with what minimal equipment came with the package. Like many others our set had two swings, a teeter-totter, and a slide.

I saw what I thought was an empty swing, but when I sat down I was accosted by a usually angelic-faced little girl: “DON’T SIT DOWN!  You’re going to hurt her!”  I was about twelve years old myself, so I had no idea why my little sister was shrieking at me.  “What are you talking about, the swing is empty?” I yelled right back at her.  That was my introduction to Jen’s “friend”, Chrissy.  Chrissy went everywhere with Jen!

I couldn’t imagine then, why, when you’re in a family of eight kids, you would need an imaginary friend.  There always seemed to be someone to talk to; frankly, finding alone time was difficult at best. But when there are several years between kids, an imaginary friend is just what Jen needed.

I would like to believe that if Jen and Chrissy grew up alongside each other they’d still be friends; having leaned on each other through their difficult times and celebrated their joys as well.  I’ll bet that just like Jen, Chrissy’s  grown up to be a loving daughter, supportive sister, terrific mother, great wife, and loyal friend.

Today’s thank you goes out to the unsung heroes of our childhood:  our imaginary friends.

Blogger’s with friends:

• My life is weird
• Angel inside my Head!
• Munchie, My Long Lost Imaginary Friend
• Maybe a Little Odd for a Little Girl, A Little Cow