That Fuksa Family

RIP Night-Night Bear

This past weekend we took a trip with grandma and grandpa to St. Louis via the Amtrak Missouri River Flyer. We had a great trip, I’m sure we’ll post some pictures later in the week. As you all know, Nathan rarely goes anywhere without his best friend, Night-Night Bear (aka NNB). All was well until we realized on the train on the way back to KC that NNB was not in Nathan’s backpack. He was also not in our suitcase. He was gone, nowhere to be found. I immediately called the hotel and the guy at the front desk said no one had turned anything in, but to call back in the morning and speak with someone in housekeeping. At this point we asked Nathan a lot of questions about where he last saw NNB. Nathan said that he left him at the hotel so he wouldn’t get lost. I don’t think he realized that he left him there and he didn’t realize the we weren’t going back to the hotel. We had to break the news that NNB was probably gone forever. It broke my heart to watch that little lower lip quiver and then begin crying. He cried for a good 2-3 minutes and then he was all better. He hasn’t asked about NNB since. I think mommy was more upset that he’s gone, but mostly for sentimental reasons.

When Nathan was around a year old we bought Night-Night Elephant just in case NNB ever got lost. Boy are we glad we did that! Elephant (aka Elle) has slept in bed with Nathan, so he stepped right in to his new role. Nathan snuggled up with him last night and tonight just like he did with NNB. Thank goodness we didn’t have to endure a long, drawn out mourning period. Jeremy and I have agreed not to speak about NNB unless Nathan brings it up.

Goodbye Night-Night Bear. You were a special friend and there for Nathan during 2 surgeries and his first trip away from mommy and daddy. He went to school with Nathan everyday and provided so much comfort. Elle has some big shoes to fill, but I think he’s up for the challenge. He’s already filling his role quite nicely.