The Story of Meezysizum
Pronunciation key: (mee-zee-sigh-zum)
This is my stuffed animal from when I was 18 months old. Also in the picture is my Mom (click to enlarge).
It is a Siamese cat, but at age 1 and a half, when I tried to pronounce "Siamese," it came out "Meezysizum." My family has never referred to this stuffed animal by any other name.
In August 2005, Meezysizum won a contest in the "Most Visibly Loved" category at the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba, Michigan. Mom saw a promo for the contest, sponsored by the Humane Society, on the State Fair website a couple weeks before the fair, and she thought Meezysizum would be a LOCK to win the contest. He is not terribly attractive, in a traditional stuffed animal sense. He's not soft or cuddly. In fact, if he were a real cat he would be one of those freaky hairless ones (which, as an aside, are evidently very affectionate cats). His eye is crooked; his mouth is little more than a shredded piece of felt; and he's got stains all over him. And he's been losing his innards for years. But to still have him around over 30 years later is a sure sign that he is loved.
I think it's cool as Hell that Mom continues to win prizes in the State Fair at age 55. And doesn't she look GREAT for 55!!!!????
Mom's entry form for the 2005 U.P. State Fair Contest:
My name is Meezysizum. My mom, Betsy Sundholm, could not say SIAMESE when she was 1 1/2 years old. She pronounced it Meezysizum, so that became my name. I am almost 33 years old!
My mom sent me on a trip here from
My grandma, Meridy Sundholm, is entering me as the "Most Visibly Loved."
Even though I'm tattered and worn, I am still loved just as much as when I was brand new.
My music box still plays 'Rock-a-bye Baby'!