Samuel Bear

For those of you who know me personally, you know how long I've been waiting on my Samuel Bear from Molly Bears. It's very sad the wait is so long. They need funding and there are so many, many families missing their babies.

A few months ago, I received a message from a woman named Ashley. Her brother and his wife had recently found out their baby - Jonah Coal - had a fatal condition and were going to carry him to term. She reached out to me and we talked about ways she could support them. (Thank goodness for families who support each other during these times).

*Precious little Jonah was born on March 8, 2013 and lived for one hour <3. Now, he plays with Samuel in heaven.*

Fast forward to about a month ago, Molly Bears was offering a free pass to have your bear made and I asked people on my FB page to help me enter. I got this message from Ashley:

"I had messaged you a few months ago and I just wanted to let you know that my nephew, Jonah Coal was born March 8th and he lived a little over an hour. I am so sorry that any parent would ever have to say goodbye to their baby, it just isn't fair. The pain I feel for my brother and wife over the loss of their sweet Jonah is that of deep sadness and I can't even fathom their pain. I am so sorry that you and your husband have to endure this awful loss as well. If you do not win Samuel Bear this month we are buying an express pass for them and another person and I would love to purchase that express pass for you... As always sending you hugs and prayers."

I cried when I read it. First, because I'm so broken-hearted that another family is missing their sweet little love <3. Second, because I was so touched.

Normally, I would never accept such a large gift from someone I don't even know in person. But I've been told several times that when a person offers, you should let them help; for them and for you.

When I didn't win my bear from Molly Bears, I nervously wrote her back and told her we would accept.

Somehow, we worked it so Samuel Bear would be here by his birthday. (Clearly, this woman is amazing!!) Without her generosity and kind heart, we wouldn't have him for at least 6 more months. We are very grateful.

Today, I opened our front door - looked out at the SNOW covered world (yep, it snowed 6 inches last night. Ahh, Spring in MN) - and then looked down to see this perfect little box. <3

Then, I made a mistake. I called Bryan to tell him and ask him if we should open it together. (What was I thinking??  I have no patience.) So there I sat for hours, waiting for him to come home, imagining our bear inside...

F i n a l l y, he came home and we opened our box together <3

Welcome home, Samuel Bear!