Our beloved refrigerator leaves us today. I can hear her humming away in the other room – as she has for 25 years – oblivious to her fate. It’s like we’re putting her down.
We bought our Hotpoint side-by-side* in 1985, the year we were married. Back then her creamy nubbliness and the wood-panel stripe harmonized very nicely with the avocado stove and the linoleum floor. Save for an occasional whine and sputter, she has never once complained, and never once needed servicing.
We have stuffed her full of pots that barely fit, and food that that has turned every shade of purple and green. She has been spilled on, opened and slammed, gawked at, and slathered upon with countless photos, postcards, refrigerator magnets, shopping lists, and artistic masterpieces. No matter how we’ve treated or under-appreciated her service, she has held a space of quiet comfort to us all.
Why do I feel so sad? Why do I feel like such a traitor?
What we’re getting to replace her is so much better for the environment… isn’t it? We’re getting a spanking-new stainless steel model that looks really snazzy, goes with our other appliances, and has a big energy efficiency star on it.
Attachment is not a rational thing.
Farewell, friend. Thank you for your loyal service. May you rest in peace.
*Photo Note: This is not our fridge or our kitchen. I had to borrow this cute pink one from Bing Images because the photo of our beloved refrigerator wouldn’t upload. In the absence of a good replica, I went with an image that evokes nostalgia instead.
So sweet! Much like I feel about my house! Of course I don’t have to leave and it’s a choice…however I know those feelings and attachment! Your fridge ran so well because she knew she was loved…and made of good quality..obviously!
Thank you, Eileen! Though I still miss my old fridge, the new one is a beauty and so much more spacious – pun intended!
One of the saddest things was when my grannie died in july knowing that the old fridge was leaving, and not to the home we thought it was headed 🙁 i’m sure all is well with the old and new though, some antique person was scheduled to get it. i hear you though
Awww, I can see why she might feel that way especially after having had my own experience of letting go. It’s like our appliances are alive beings. I’ll bet grannie’s fridge was very cool… like the one in this photo maybe?