The One She Loves...

It began as a small crush...an occasional nighttime snuggle. Gradually, their relationship evolved into a comfort role. And, after nearly a year, it could be termed a full obsession. Constant companions, her best friend. With her through thick and thin - long lonely nights, trips to the doctor, the first day of daycare. Faithful. An ever-listenting ear. There to comfort every tear.

I present to you, Prayer Bear.



Well, this is what Prayer Bear looked like when we first got him. Clean, in a nice blue coat. He didn't look like this for long. Morgan used him as her teether as she cut in her teeth - slobbering on his fur and coat until they were dripped with drool. As time passed, PB (as we called him), developed a scent all of his own. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, we searched...and the grandparents searched...and finally, one day, at a Wal-Mart in Ulysses, KS - Grandma & Grandpa found Prayer Bear #2. We now had a PB she could hold - and another we could wash. She was fooled - and Prayer Bear was spared the stench of his earlier days. Two worked so well that we thought we'd try a third Prayer Bear - one to wash, one for home, and one for daycare. But, alas, she caught on and rejected "Benedict" Prayer Bear.

Prayer Bear is Morgan's best friend. She has hit the stage in her life where Prayer Bear does everything that she does, including:








Time Outs













Long Car Rides











Parties















Tricycle Rides

















Sharing Kissables











But tonight, Morgan climbed to all new heights for Prayer Bear. When we put her to bed, she threw Prayer Bear out of bed in her absolute indignation of getting put into bed. After asking her for and not getting an apology, I told Morgan, "Fine, Prayer Bear will sleep with mommy tonight". I scooped him into my arms, shut the door, and went up stairs - her tears and screams of anguish floating up after me.

After a few minutes, I realized that the screams were getting louder....and closer. And, then I realized - Morgan had scaled her crib for the first time to rescue Prayer Bear. You just don't screw around with true love.