Upon reading a heartwarming tale about a young boy who lost his beloved stuffed tiger while traveling, only to have airport staff take it on a whimsical journey before safely returning it, I couldn’t help but think of my daughter, Daisy, and her unwavering attachment to a tattered plush blanket named Snuggle Bear.
Snuggle Bear is neither a conventional teddy nor a typical blanket; she occupies a peculiar space in between. This worn, off-white square of fabric features a bear’s head stitched onto one corner. Small enough to be cradled, these items are often termed “lovies” by parents. Daisy dubbed hers Snuggle Bear as soon as she could speak, and she has been inseparable from it since birth. Now nearing 8 years old, Daisy still clings to her.
I must admit, I’ve often found myself frustrated with Snuggle Bear. She has a knack for going missing at the most inconvenient times. I can’t count the number of nights we’ve faced chaos before bedtime because Snuggle Bear has suddenly disappeared. The whole family leaps into action as Daisy, red-faced and teary-eyed, begins to panic.
“Is she lost in the couch cushions?” I bark out, rallying my troops for the search. “Is she hiding in the attic? Could she be on a random shelf from when Daisy was looking for a book? Or maybe she slipped behind the television?” And has anyone checked the pantry?
For the love of all that is good, where is Snuggle Bear???
I make it a point to brief babysitters, especially new ones, on the significance of this dingy piece of fabric. I explain that if peace is to reign while we are out, Snuggle Bear must be treated with the utmost care, akin to a key witness in a high-stakes trial. Whatever you do, don’t misplace her!
As Daisy has matured, she hasn’t outgrown her fondness for Snuggle Bear. However, she has become aware of how “childish” it appears to her peers. With great reluctance, she now leaves her lovey on her pillow in her bedroom. This has significantly decreased our household’s stress levels, as we only need to search within her modest room. But, Snuggle Bear still finds ways to defy the rules, often spotted lounging on the window seat or sprawled on the floor.
Just before these new guidelines were instituted, Snuggle Bear made one last daring escape. Much like little Leo in Tampa, Florida, who misplaced his favorite toy at the airport, this incident occurred during our travels.
At the time, we were living in San Diego and had decided to drive up to Los Angeles for a family getaway. We treated ourselves to a few nights at the luxurious Grand Hotel, perched on a renowned hill.
On our first morning, we awoke eager to explore the vibrant city. Like most hotel guests, we left our bed unmade, and Snuggle Bear, who Daisy insisted accompany us, was abandoned amidst the rumpled sheets. Or was she on the bathroom floor beneath a pile of towels? When we returned that afternoon, our room was spotless, and Snuggle Bear was nowhere to be found.
We searched high and low. Panic ensued. Daisy began to breathe rapidly. I made an urgent call to the concierge, who advised me to check with the laundry department. Upon contacting them, I was quickly informed of the grim reality. “We process tons of linens weekly. If Snuggle Bear ended up in the laundry, the chances of locating one small blanket? I’m so sorry, but it’s not good!”
Daisy was heartbroken. To her credit, she attempted to enjoy our vacation over the next few days as we took a ferry around the harbor, spotted sea lions at the pier, and snapped photos at the famous bridge. But at night, she sobbed quietly into her empty pillow, missing her beloved friend. A few days later, we packed up the car and returned home without her.
Upon our return, Daisy was, understandably, downcast.
Then, a week later, we received a phone call.
“Fantastic news!” the concierge exclaimed, equally as thrilled as I was. “The staff felt terrible about accidentally taking Snuggle Bear. They conducted a thorough search and just found her! She was indeed with the laundry!”
Considering how often I lose socks in the wash, I was astonished by the determination of the hotel staff. They must have gone above and beyond to locate Daisy’s white lovey, camouflaged among the linens.
“Please tell Daisy we’re sending Snuggle Bear on a little adventure today,” the concierge continued. “She’ll be flying FedEx and should arrive tomorrow morning. She’ll definitely have some tales to tell!”
When Daisy received this news, it was as if Christmas and her birthday had collided, multiplied by ten. She squealed and danced around the room. I had never witnessed such joy in a child before.
The next day, a stiff box arrived at our doorstep, and as we tore it open, Snuggle Bear greeted us with her familiar smile. Daisy burst into tears, hugging her as if she would never let go. Her best friend was finally home.
Of course, a few hours later, as bedtime approached, I heard Daisy’s familiar voice calling from upstairs, “Snuggle? Snuggle? Oh no! Where did that Snuggle Bear go?”
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Summary
This heartwarming tale revolves around a young girl named Daisy and her beloved plush security blanket, Snuggle Bear. After a vacation mishap leads to Snuggle Bear going missing, the family experiences panic and heartbreak. Fortunately, the hotel staff’s dedication results in a joyous reunion. This story highlights the importance of cherished items in childhood and the lengths families go to preserve their little ones’ happiness.
Keyphrase: The day my daughter’s lovey went missing
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