Blessing #66 - Monkey

At Brandon's first birthday party, Brandon got a monkey from his Aunt Shannon. Soon afterwards, we noticed that B was attached to Monkey, and 4 years later, Monkey is still a part of our daily lives.



Because Brandon has to have Monkey to sleep, Monkey has traveled everywhere we have for four years. When we fly, Monkey is packed in my carry-on because we can't risk losing him. Sometimes Monkey goes to town with us. Monkey has been left at the library a few times, but fortunately the librarians know who we are and who Monkey is, and they always call me.

Last week, after running errands, Brandon realized that Monkey was missing. He panicked and cried, "Monkey is mad at me for losing him!" We had only been to my in-laws to water the garden and the post office. I called the post office first and said, "Excuse me, has anyone turned in a monkey...a stuffed monkey." The post office worker looked for me, but there was no Monkey to be found.

At this point, I realized I was feeling anxiety over the lost Monkey. All I could hear was that song from Toy Story 2 that Sarah McLaughlin sings when Jesse gets put by the side of the road. Suddenly, I felt the strong need to find Monkey. I wasn't ready for Monkey to leave us yet. Why? Look at this picture of 2 year old Brandon "reading" to Monkey.



{whimper} {sniff, sniff} I'm okay. I can do this.

Oh wook at his wittle feet!

Okay, I'm regaining my composure. Brandon is growing up so fast, and Monkey is that last piece that represents Baby Brandon. I was not about to let him go without a fight. I went to my in-laws, and walked around the entire house until I found Monkey sitting on the front porch steps. I was so happy to see his ragged little face, but I was even happier when I got to give Monkey back to my very appreciative B.

I realize the day will come when Monkey is no longer a part of our every day lives, but I'm just glad that day was not last week.

Just this week, Collin has picked his security item...Alligator. I can feel myself getting attached already.