Old Friends

Earlier in the year, I passed on to Khai my most dear and beloved stuffed dog, Peppy. I've had Peppy since forever.  We've been through a lot together. He's traveled all the world with me. He's been my comfort, my calm. And until not too, too long ago, I believed that he and all my other stuffed animals had feelings.  I think to some degree because of Peppy, I still do in some ways.  His nose has had many surgeries performed by my mom because it would always rip. His chin has milk stains on it. His collar has drawings I made on it.  The night I passed Peppy on to Khai was one of those moments that gets you in the heart. Yes, I did tear up.  Khai doesn't have the same love I have for Peppy but he knows how very important he is to me and makes sure to take extra special care of him.  When he got him, he ran upstairs to show my mom, and I know it touched her to see him looking so much like me, holding onto my precious Peppy.
On Christmas Eve, John and I were going through a bunch of boxes in his family's storage room and came across his childhood teddy bear.  Passed on that night to Khai, he fell asleep with our dear old friends tucked under his arm.  I know John felt the same touching warmth as Khai reached out for Teddy and ran off to play.