Little Bear is often a fixture at meal time.
Little Bear came with a bunny outfit (not sure why), but he went sans costume most of the time.
Little Bear went to Disney World, along with Mickey and Goofy.
I’m not ashamed to admit that for the past two days I’ve been crying about a five-inch tall stuffed animal named Little Bear.
You see, Little Bear is lost. I’m not sure if he’s riding the Grand Exposition Coaster at Silver Dollar City, hiding in a corner at the Farmhouse Restaurant or exploring the toy aisle at Dick’s 5 & 10 store. Little Bear went with us to Branson this past weekend like he does on any vacation or short trip we take. I was devastated to learn on Monday night after unpacking that he didn’t make it back with us.
Little Bear has been a part of our lives as long as my 5-year-old son has been. Little Bear was one of those baby shower gifts that you envision ending up in a pile of barely played with items that eventually find their way to Goodwill. But Little Bear ended up being special. He was the one (out of what seems like hundreds of stuffed animals) that always slept on the pillow next to Nate. He was the one that rode along in the car. He was the one that wiped Nate’s tears after he fell. He was the one stuffed in a backpack on the first day of school.
Little Bear quickly became a fixture around our home. Even our 2-year-old learned to ask, “Do we have Little Bear?” before leaving the house.
As Nathan has gotten older, Little Bear has stayed home more. Sometimes days will go by without anyone knowing where Little Bear is -- or even thinking about him. And during those rare times when we just couldn’t put a finger on where he was, Little Bear was “taking a vacation.” But Little Bear always tends to show up when you most need him. And he certainly always takes vacations with the rest of the family.
It’s Tuesday night, and Nathan hasn’t asked about Little Bear. I’m sure he assumes that he made it back here with us and is hanging out on the top bunk or in the living room or in any number of Little Bear hiding places. He doesn’t know that Little Bear is lost and alone, and the thought of that about rips my heart out every time I think about it.
Jason called every place we could think of in Branson today. He even sent a picture of Little Bear to several places so that they would know what they were looking for. I still have hope that someone will find our Little Bear and help him get back home. If not, I’m not sure what we’ll do. I have a feeling Nathan might be able to get past this. Me? I’m not so sure. Little Bear is much more than a stuffed animal. He is a reflection of the past five years – the innocence, tenderness and amazing growth of our firstborn.
Little Bear, you’re desperately wanted home. Please find a way to get here. I’m not sure what this mommy will do if you don’t.
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