When I walked into the Build-a-Bear store this morning, that mom was there shopping with her daughter. What an excellent omen that I would find the right bear. Or at least I took it as a sign it would all work out.
I asked her if she'd embroider something for me on a bear shirt and she said yes.
They didn't have a solid button-down, but the lady helping me had an idea. She came back with a "cub scout" shirt; blue, button-down, with several patches. I showed it to the mom and asked her if we could take them off and add the logo. Again she said yes.
I got a tan bear, white tennis shoes, white low top socks, tan shorts, blue shirt, and the kicker: a safari hat! [John wore a safari hat the last several years. I think we got it at Walmart.]
When they stuff the bear, you have to step on the pedal that powers the blower that shoots the stuffing into its body. You also get to pick a plain, satin heart printed with "I love you" or a heart you press that says different things. I took my Sharpie with me so I could write "Laura & John" on the satin heart, then I put it in. I watched another bear builder help a couple of kids with theirs, and they made a wish and a promise before they put their hearts in. This is a ritual you are to do during the process of stuffing. My helper asked me if I made a wish. I told her "he knows." And when she pulled the stitches to close the back of the bear, I fell apart. She looked at me sympathetically, so I told her my husband had died, and this was his work uniform. And that I hoped to make it through without crying. She gave me a hug.
I registered the bear on their computer. Named it John Dennis, and gave it the birthdate of April 4, 2011. Our anniversary date. When I told Sharon I picked our anniversary date for his b'day, she asked, "Which one?" We do have lots of special dates to celebrate.
I managed to get out of the store in one piece. Mush, but one piece. He's now dressed, except for his shirt.
very cute
No comments:
Post a Comment