Anna and Cubey

Anyone who has ever met Anna, knows Cubey. They quickly come to understand his importance and it is not long before everyone is referring to Cubey as a significant figure (It is hard not to, once you understand the relationship with Anna). For historical purposes (if reading this in 20 years time), I will explain to you what he is. He used to be a soft toy in the shape of a cube with a face drawn on one side, a ladybird on the other, a red silk side and the rest escapes me. He no longer resembles a cube at all but just a rather squashed, floppy soft 'thing' which looks amazingly grubby (even when just washed) and has started to get holes... lots of holes. On bad days, he can start to smell too!! Considering he never leaves Anna's side (She even smuggles him to school. The teacher has given up trying to stop him from going and, one day, when Anna fell in the playground, the teacher called out 'Can someone go and get Cubey from Anna's drawer' (Anna hadn't even asked for him on the occasion!)

Cubey has been constantly by her side since 3 days old when she was introduced to him in her cot. I have not the faintest idea why Anna suddenly became attached to him in the way that she did but it happened and, from that day on, Cubey has always been there.

He literally goes everywhere! In fact, we don't even notice him now. We go on day trips to Alton Towers or the Seaside and, unbeknown to us, he has gone on all the rides or been carried around in the bucket all day. Cubey can even be seen in EVERY family members professional wedding photo album, at least once (It is just lucky that we have such understanding family!!).

Cubey and Anna - Inseparable at 10 months old

On a recent holiday to Cornwall, someone said 'I'm a little worried, Anna never ever has Cubey more than 10cm away from her' and, when I stopped to think about it, it's true. Don't get me wrong, there have been days when Cubey has been left behind or Anna just hasn't been able to take him (her recent bodyboarding session in Cornwall was one example) and there is an acceptance about that from Anna but, if chosen, Cubey is always there! On the rare occasions when Anna has become unaware of Cubey's whereabouts, instant panic ensues until we find him.  

Anna adores Cubey as much as she would a family member and, being her constant companion since 3 days old, you can possibly see why! He has been there on her first day at pre-school and primary, been there when she was admitted into hospital, been there when we moved house and when we go to new places.

Anna and Cubey as Bridesmaids at Uncle Steve's Wedding

Cubey has had to endure a great deal. Being placed on public toilet floors was challenging (and quickly stopped for hygiene reasons) and being smuggled into school daily for the last 6 months hasn't been easy. We dare not even mention the time that Cubey got stuck between the netting at the local playbarn and the death threats, such as cooking him on the bbq or sending him out to sea tied to a bottle (mentioning no names Uncle Matthew and Grandma Lynn) was nearly a step too far for poor Cubey to cope with. However, he has remained strong and brave in such difficulties, always there for Anna!  

It is amazing to see the instant calm that falls on Anna when she picks him up. If she is upset or panicked, Cubey provides whatever calm she needs if we are not around. In fact, I think I have always taken Cubey for granted. Now that I am having major battles with Miss Ellie's sleep (she refuses to do it unless rocked, sung to or patted), I underestimated the magic that Cubey produced every daytime nap and night time. Anna would be laid in her cot, clutching Cubey and cuddling up to him, Anna would instantly fall asleep. No crying, no screaming, no restlessness. With Cubey by her side, instant calm! In fact, I remember the moment when I realised that Cubey had such magic powers when, at only a few weeks old, Anna wouldn't settle. I ran through a huge list in my head of reasons it might be... too warm, too cold, dirty nappy, hungry etc. It dawned on me that there was no Cubey and once I picked him up and nestled it into her - Anna fell asleep instantly. Little did I know then that 5 and half years on, it would be the same story.

However, times have changed and Cubey is sick!!!!

Despite going on the operating table several times and having undergone several major surgical operations involving needle and thread, Cubey has become inoperable. Surgeon Nanny has had to admit defeat and so Cubey is now looking very tired and grey with his stuffing hanging out (sounds like me on a bad day!!!).

Cubey sledging on Christmas day 2010

The time has come to leave Cubey at home, convalescing in bed whilst Anna is at school. I fear that being surrounded by some rowdy 5 year old's would be the death of Cubey and we have to treat him very gently nowadays. After having several heartfelt discussions with Anna (after all, she is entering Year 1), it has been agreed that Cubey will be tucked into bed each morning by Anna and will wait patiently for her return. Of course, they will miss each other terribly but I hope time can be healing and, over several weeks/months (surely not years???), they can both learn to live without each other during school hours.

Cubey in Cornwall 2012 (looking very old!!)

So, as Anna embarks on a new adventure as she starts Year 1 tomorrow, a new chapter also begins for her and Cubey as they are separated each day. I'm not sure who is going to crack first... Cubey (although he is technically already cracked/torn in several hundred places already), Anna, Anna's teacher or me!!