| March 10, 2005 Kindness of Build A Bear
 
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Hello one and all!  This will be an uncharacteristically 
short note.  (Try not to faint from the shock...)
As you all know, Avalon had her recent hospital stay.  
During her stay, her sissies went to Build A Bear to make 
her an Elmo.  (Avalon is more than a little 
"Elmo-obsessed")
The worker who stuffed Elmo allowed Daddy, Aurora, and 
Ambrosia to all put a heart in Elmo.  He's stuffed to the 
gills with three hearts full of "get well, we love you" wishes. 
 The most amazing thing to me is what happened at 
check-out.  The manager overheard the girls talking 
about taking Elmo to sissy at the hospital.  He then gave 
the Elmo to Nick for free.  NIck still paid for the doctor 
outfit and medical bag (too stinking cute for words, by the 
way).  But Elmo was a get-well gift for Avalon.  
This may seem small to all of you, but I can assure you - 
its huge to us.  We may have love in abundant supply, but 
money doesn't flow that freely for us, especially not now.  
That dear manager made a sweet gesture "bearable" for 
our family.  It has actually meant a great deal to me.  I 
logged on to the Build a Bear website tonight, to get a 
corporate address so I can write a thank you letter.  I was 
shocked when I got there.
Build A Bear has their own foundation that supports 
pediatric cancer research!  They even sell a special bear, 
called a Nikki bear, that helps fund the foundation.  
(Bonus is - the bear is even purple - this family's favorite 
color!)  I am asking all of you to take 5 minutes to go to
www.buildabear.com
and check out the foundation information.  Nikki's story is 
only a few paragraphs, but it certainly touched this salty 
old lady's heart.  
I'm writing because all-too-often corporate America craps 
on we lowlife tax payers.  No question that Build A Bear is 
reaping great profits, but apparantly, they are also giving 
back.  One manager's kindness has touched our family 
and is worth mentioning.  A corporation's obvious 
commitment to cancer kids is downright worth bragging 
about.  I had to share.  No, we're not getting anything 
because I'm telling you this.  I just think the good guys 
deserve a chance for your nickel.  The next time you need 
a cute little stuffy for an Easter basket, birthday party, or 
"love you lots" gift, maybe you'll remember the website.  I 
know I will.
Hmmm, I guess I just can't keep it "short", can I?  Fine, 
fine, fine...we all have our flaws!  I'll jump down off of my 
soapbox now and head off to bed.  Hope you all have a 
great day!
Love,
Alicia
      
      

Our Journey:
      
      Avalon's Army of Angels