A Package in the Mail!

But first, this...

---

On Monday I received this picture in an email.  The photo shows hands, belonging to the Lacko Family... gently stacked, with Little Bear resting comfortably on top.  How do you read a photo like this?

A Closer Look

What a  bittersweet photo.  Obviously  the Lackos have enjoyed Little Bear so much.  They are a family, with kids... who found the bear after I lost him in New York.  They found the "missing flyer" and contacted me, but also had a little fun!

---

They took L.B. on lots of adventures, from ski jumps to Chinese restaurants and then they sent this photo.  With a closer look, I could see that someone repaired his torn paws! This photo reminded me that L.B. was in awfully good hands. How could I expect them to  mail him home to me?

Today!
​

---

In the mailbox, I found a colorful envelope, marked First Class and Fragile!  

My husband was standing by with the camera.  He used to just play along with my bear photography, but he has actually gotten pretty hooked in these past weeks.

Not Just a Box
​

Inside the envelope was a very special box, carefully decorated with tiny jewels and marked "Little Bear" on the lid.  Don and I just grinned.  Someone had taken a lot of time! ​

---

Not Just Little Bear!
​

---

Inside the box was L.B., sitting snuggly in the corner, beside a folded piece of paper.  Standing much taller was a stuffed beaver.  Beneath the animals and note was a perfectly cut piece of white carpet...for cozy comfort!
​
​The Note
​

---

And here is the note, carefully printed to L.B.'s Mom, by one of the Lacko children.  I read Hannah's note aloud to Don and we were equally touched.  She explained that she was sending a friend (Rose, the Beaver) for Little Bear. "Just in case Little Bear ever gets lost again, he will not be alone."  She mentioned Rose was excited about her first trip to Texas.  And she added at the bottom that her mom had mended L.B's foot!

Just a Bear
​
​Yes, I know he's just a bear ...a very small one.  But he's obviously captured a heart or two.

---

I think Don and I were so moved by Hannah's sweet note, because it wasn't that long ago (well actually it was many years ago) that our daughter cared more about stuffed animals than anything.  If she had found a tiny bear like this, she would have had a very hard time giving him up! ​

Welcome Home!
​

---

Welcome home again, Little Bear!  And welcome to Texas, Rose!  We look forward to sharing new adventures!

A Huge Thank You to the Lacko Family!

---

Dear Lackos, Little Bear and Rose are napping after their long journey.  They will be in contact soon.  Keep an eye on your mailbox, now!