Goodbye Old Friend

Old friend, you've witnessed many phases in my life. I brought you home proudly, an expensive acquisition for a college girl in her sophomore year. I didn't use you much then, but I loved having you around, knowing that if I chose to go out less, you would keep me fed and fulfilled with hearty stews.

I had such faith in your potential that I fought for you in my "divorce" from my live-in boyfriend in the middle of senior year. He got the futon and I got the crock-pot and the U2 CDs. I felt like I won in the exchange: I wanted nothing to do with the futon we'd shared as he cheated.

That first year in New York, as I adjusted to life as a grown-up you welcomed me home many nights with chicken in creamy mushroom sauce. It was reassuring knowing that you were waiting up for me no matter how late I had to work.

Of course I brought you with me when I moved in with Steve. That move actually began our golden period together when we really tested all that you could do. He was even happier than me to lift up your steamed up plastic lid to breathe in redolent Beef Bourguignon or sweet chili.

Once the kids came, we didn't use you as much as we should have. I'm sorry about that. You would have been a lifesaver had we only remembered you instead of burying you at the back of our kitchen cabinet. Was it the dust, or simply old age that killed you in the end? Last night, even on high, you were barely warm.

I feel callous, cruel and bad, but next Tuesday is bulk trash day. You understand, I'm sure, that we need the room in our crowded kitchen? I'd like to tell you that you'll be missed, that we'll remember you always, but I don't like to tell a lie. The truth is that as soon as I get that shiny stainless steel number from Cuisinart with that handy inside that can go in the oven for browning or reheating, you'll only be remembered by the search engines that stumble upon this post. What can I say? Even us housewives are not immune to the charms of a younger, flashier model.

On Wednesdays, pictures get the posts flowing. Happy Wordless Wednesday, Wordful Wednesday, and Way Back Wednesday!