Goodbye Red Bag....

Today I say goodbye to my red bag.  This ever present bag was also known as my "hospital bag".  It's spent far too much time by my side.  I bought it to hold anything and everything I might need during trips to the hospital with Mommy and/or Daddy.  I bought bright, shiny red on purpose.  I needed it to stand out and be easily seen or found in moments of need. 

When I think of red now, I realize it's the color of extremes: danger signs,  anger emojis, fire blazes, and blood.  It tells us in signs to "stop" and "do not enter".  In retrospect, maybe I should have chosen a different color.

This bag has held it all:  lots of med lists, doctor's notes, calendars and reminders, notebooks and pens.  It held phone chargers, magazines, books and a
book light.  It held change for vending machines and a multitude of snacks.  Mommy liked chocolate or nuts.  Many times it held a Boberry Biscuit for her.  Daddy liked circus peanuts, Boston beans candy, and orange slices.  (most of the time Laura always got them into the room for him before me).  And of course, nabs and Maple Nut Goodies (the official Baker family candy) were staples.  I used my red bag to bring extra underwear and to hold extra hearing aide batteries. 

The bag also held things from home...my Bible, bills to pay, christmas cards to address, Lib's scholarship or college applications to review, Pharmacy readings, and my list of things to do once home again.

I'd throw in a sweatshirt....hospitals (especially nights) can be cold...and lonely.

Looking back, I realize my bag held more than these things.  It held worry and concern and fear.  It was there for me but mostly in tough times.  Inside the bag is a small pocket.  I kept the pocket full of faith and hope and laughs and good times. 

I liked it most when the bag held good news and discharge papers.

So today, I say "goodbye red bag".  I'm moving on.  Maybe I'll get another red bag:  one that is the color of ladybugs or roses or cardinals or red hearts and ruby slippers.