A piece of my childhood has died, as the former Toys “R” Us building in Saginaw no longer looks like a Toys “R” Us.

I know, I know. Toys “R” Us shuttered its doors awhile ago, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the building no longer looks like a Toys “R” Us, but it still hurts, man.

I remember being a kid and how exciting it was to know that a trip to Toys “R” Us was in my future. I grew up in Essexville and, even though Saginaw isn’t all that far away, it felt like it was. So, if we were going to Saginaw, there was a good chance we were going to make a pit stop at Toys “R” Us. Was I going to use my hard-earned money on a new Nintendo game or an action figure? The possibilities were endless!

And, let’s not forget about when my grandparents visited from Florida. It didn’t happen often, but when they came to town, my cousins and I all knew we were going to Toys “R” Us and we’d be able to get whatever we wanted.

Walking through those sliding doors into that long hallway that opened up to toy heaven was something a kid never forgets. Even as an adult, I’d still make a stop into Toys “R” Us from time to time, whether it was to pick up a gift for a family member or just to relive my childhood years.

Sure, it’s a good thing that a new business (Value City Furniture) is going into that building, so it won’t just sit empty for years, but it still sucks seeing the building facade change.

Consider this my love letter to Toys “R” Us. It will always hold a special place in my childish heart.