I don’t remember exactly how you came into our lives. I think it was when Léonie was born, but I’m not sure anymore.
Over time, you set yourself apart from the others and became an increasingly integral part of my daughter’s life. You became so important to her that she had eyes for no one but you. You became her favorite.
Léonie spent all her time with you. You were there during the day to play with her, and at night you slept in her bed. You went everywhere with her, and, of course, you even came along when we traveled.
I still remember the day you came with us on vacation to Niagara Falls. You were in the car with us on the way back, and you came to eat with us at the restaurant. After a few hours on the road, following our lunch break, Léonie was looking everywhere for you. We couldn’t find you in the car, and that’s when we realized we’d left you at the restaurant.
We couldn’t turn back, and at the time I didn’t have a cell phone yet. So I had to wait until we got back to Quebec to call the restaurant. Since you’re indispensable and no one can replace you, we were terrified we’d never see you again.
I finally found the restaurant’s phone number on my receipt. I tried to explain in broken English that we were looking for you and that I was willing to do whatever it took to find you.
You had indeed been left all alone on the restaurant’s bench—the manager confirmed this to me. He also agreed to arrange for you to come home. I was ready to pay whatever it took to get you back. Two days later, Léonie was jumping for joy when she saw the package delivery truck pull up in front of the house.
We were so happy to have you back, and what a surprise it was when we opened the box to find a note from the manager thanking us for dining at his restaurant! I didn’t even have to pay the shipping costs. That person has no idea how much that gesture meant to us. I’m still so grateful!
I think it’s so lovely to still see you two every now and then, all snuggled up together.
My Léonie is now 17, and Nounou Blanc, you still have a special place in her heart… and in her bed!