Goodbye Friend

Pauly B's first stuffed animal 

This looks like a normal teddy bear/monkey, but to us, it was a special toy given to us by Phoenix Children's Hospital the day we got Pauly B. I kept everything that came with that sweet boy because I wanted to remember every second we had with him. His clothes and sippy cup have been stored in a special box for some time, but this furry friend has been in Isaac's room for nearly the last 2 years. This was the first stuffed animal that Pauly had while in our care. 

I met a friend at Radiant that had recently gone through a horrific tragedy - she lost her little boy to a drowning accident. The family has recently moved out of state but I am still connected with her via Facebook. She currently home-schools her 2 children (one older, one younger than Maverick, her angel boy) and her kiddos are amazing! Her oldest kiddo has decided to collect stuff animals and give them to the local police/fire departments so when people are displaced from their homes, the kids will get a stuff animal to make them feel better. I hope Isaac has a heart like that! His new goal is to receive a stuffed animal from all 50 states. Right away I knew I wanted to help, but choosing a stuffed animal that Isaac isn't attached to is tricky, but for some reason, he has never shown any interest in the monkey bear - I knew that it should go to a child that needs him. 

It's hard to part with something that reminds me of good memories with Pauly but I know that some little kiddo is going to find so much joy in the special bear, or whatever it is. 

Saying a special prayer tonight for Pauly, wherever he may be. And thanking God for the special little man he has blessed us with. After losing Paul, I didn't know what God's plan was, but it was clear that Isaac was meant to be our child, and for that, I am thankful.