Another permanent fixture

People love Clara. They just do. They seem to flock to her, even when she isn't always feeling like she wants to be flocked.

Examples: Jimmy and Alison at Kroger, who always ask about Clara; the librarians at our library (more on them for another post); people at church, etc., etc.


(I need to take a picture of the amazing hand-painted nativity set she was given by another of these dear friends, but it is packed away, along with innumerable other items I am hoping I don't need between now and next week.)

In the mean time, let me tell you about Clara's visit to the Build-A-Bear store with our friend Beth. Beth tells me I can come along (I wanted to experience it vicariously through my child) as long as I don't make a stink about what she is spending on my child. I agree, and spend a lot of time during our outing pursing my lips with my eyes bugging out as I look at price tags. 

Clara immediately is drawn to a sweet, velveteen bear. She adores stuffed animals, but especially bears, as you might recall. We prompt her to keep looking, just in case, and then she picks out this horrible huge-headed Hello Kitty one. Nothing against Hello Kitty, but it was not what I had in mind. Fortunately, we come back to the bear and it was still the number one choice.

After you pick the unstuffed animal, you get to have it stuffed by a very loud "fluff machine." This causes distress and tears for Clara, so Beth gets another one and has it stuffed while Clara holds the empty one. She handles it pretty well, all things considered, and even helps put the little satin heart inside before the bear is stitched up.

Then we pick out an outfit and we are set to go.

Clara does not let go of the little "house" that the bear came in for the rest of our outing and refuses to let us carry it.

I ask Clara what she wanted to name the bear. She tells me, "Clara." I inform her that she cannot name it Clara because (1) she has already named a doll Clara, and (2) she needs to think of something else. I suggest "Rosie" because the bear has a little rose on her adorable pink satin bloomers.

In addition to buying Rosie, taking us to lunch, buying Clara candy and a cookie, getting an adorable-but-overpriced ornament dedicated to us, and getting her treats for the car, Beth has been a wise and encouraging friend to me (she is a special ed teacher), one who has sat with Clara when I've needed to lead the music, and one who has shown me a true example of faith and unconditional love.

We will never forget her, just like we can't possibly forget so many others who have impacted our lives here in Augusta over the past 6 1/2 years so much.



Rosie is now a member of our family, and is a permanent fixture in Clara's arms, along with Mr. Bear. (Oh, you thought Mr. Bear wasn't around any more? So much for my efforts.)