a few nights ago. Let me preface the moment.
After over 2 months of living in suitcases and boxes, we are finally getting to the tail end of opening boxes and discovering some cherished things that we have been missing. One of the last boxes of toys we opened was one of our most valuable boxes. Inside was the Build-A-Bear stuffed animals that Grandma Brimhall (Claudette) had given to the children just before she passed away. I still remember the excitement as they each picked the perfect animal. Addy picked a pink cheetah with a pink and purple tutu and named her Fairy Wishing Star. Bo picked a white poodle with a jean leopard print outfit and we named her Cee Cee (for Claudette -- Claudette too had a snazzy jean leopard print outfit). Kadan picked a "rockin dude" penguin who was a karate master and surfer and named him Cool Dude Kadan Rock Star. Hunter chose a green dinosaur who was a skateboarding ninja (sorry, but I cannot remember his name). In each animal was inserted a voice recorded message from Grandma.
When I opened the box, all the kids were excited. Hugging and kissing their animals and pushing the button to hear Grandma's voice. I turned and looked at Hunter who was trying to hide behind the other kids to avoid being noticed. When I saw him I could see that he was crying. I went to him and he said, "Mom, Listen to my bear."
"Hunter, this is Grandma. I love you. Always remember me. Think of me when you push the button on your bear." The message is a little broken, you can tell that Claudette was having a hard time recording her message to her 1st grandchild.
Hunter then buried his head into my chest and cried, "I miss you. I miss you. Grandma, I miss you. I will never forget you. You were so kind to me. I love you. I will never forget you." We held each other close and cried. Life is definitely different now that Claudette is no longer with us. We miss her every day. 
6 comments:
Jen! I'm crying as I read your blogs lately! Hunter is just such a tender hearted boy. What a great idea Claudette had for those toys. Your kids will cherish those forever.
oops...not Tadj! (I do that all the time!)
That was a real touching story . I still have the rabbit my grandma made me the last easter I saw her That was 18 years ago a few months later she died in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver at noon but every now and then i look at it and remember the fun times we shared
Nothing like a good cry I just sobbed when I read it. I am so glad that Claudette took the time to do that for each of Grandkids they were her life. Hunter is such a cute boy and has a tender heart. What a neat experience for the kids to open the box and feel grandma Claudette was there. Love you guys. I miss her everyday she was a truly amazing woman.
What a wonderful gift Claudette gave her grandkids! Oh Jen, thanks for sharing this story. There's nothing like a good cry shared between two people. Hunter will always know he has a mom who will be there for him when he's sad.
How sweet! Give Hunter a hug from me too.
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