Congratulations to Sandra J. Gonyier for Winning the July 2025 Barefoot Writing Challenge! (Your $100 prize is on its way!)
The challenge was to write an essay that answered this prompt:
Describe your favorite childhood toy. What did you love about it? What became of it?
Sandra shared a touching story about a simple gift and a lifelong bond. Enjoy her winning submission.
Blu: My Forever Friend
by Sandra J. Gonyier
When I was very little — somewhere between a sippy cup and stealing cookies from the kitchen — I was given a gift I would carry with me through every chapter of my life.
It came from my grandmother Nonie.
One afternoon, she handed me a gift wrapped in tissue paper and tied with yarn. Inside was the most delightful doll I’d ever seen. Her golden curls bounced with the tiniest wiggle, and she wore a sparkly blue dress that shimmered like birthday cake icing in the sun.
“She’s special,” Nonie whispered with a wink. “Press her heart and listen.”
I did.
The tiniest lullaby floated out — a soft melody that felt like it had been written just for me. It was the sound of safety, of being loved without question. I named her Blu.
From that night on, Blu became my bedtime buddy, secret-keeper, and unofficial copilot through toddlerhood. Her fabric was soft and warm, and her scent — part cotton, part Nonie’s house — was better than any other toy ever. I told her everything: how the broccoli “accidentally” fell under the table, how I was pretty sure I saw a unicorn, and how I wanted to be a brave princess who wore sneakers.
When I was about 8, my mom gently said, “You’re a big girl now.” Big girls, apparently, didn’t carry dolls to the grocery store or the post office.
I was crushed.
Naturally, I ran to Nonie. She listened, nodded, and said, “Then give Blu a special place in your room. She’ll always be waiting just for you, and you can still tell her everything.”
So Blu moved from my arms to a little satin pillow I decorated with glitter glue and pom-poms. She watched over me each night, just like always.
As I grew up, Blu quietly came along for the ride. She was tucked into my first suitcase when I left for college, nestled between my favorite sweater and a bag of snacks. During late-night meltdowns or homesick moments, I’d press her heart and listen — even if the melody had grown a little warbly.
She never gave advice. Just comfort.
And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
She was there through my first job. My wedding day. And later, when I became a mother, there was no question who my daughter’s first companion would be.
At 3, my giggly, sparkle-loving little girl hugged Blu — and it was friendship at first snuggle.
Now, each night, I pass by her room and hear soft giggles, sleepy secrets, and that sweet lullaby.
Even though Nonie has passed on, her spirit lives in every note.
In every sleepy giggle.
In every whispered dream.
Thank you, Nonie — for giving me a best friend who never grew up… just like you.
