I always said that the day Josie gave up her bosom companion Snow Bear would be a very sad day, and here it is. Lou came into bed this morning with me, holding Snow Bear. "Oh yeah," she said, "Josie gave him to me."

Snow Bear has been Jo's best stuffed buddy since about age three. He has gone everywhere with us in that time, even to church. I've had long conversations with him, with Jo supplying his sweet, gruff voice, and most nights when I said good night, I'd always add "Good night, Snow Bear," and get a low "good night!" in return. Knowing that I won't hear that ever again saddens me greatly, but children grow up.

I asked Josie about it, and she said she just didn't need him any more so it was time for him to go to Lou. It's true. About six months ago she stopped taking him outside the house, and then she stopped worrying about if he'd be okay by himself in the house about three months ago. (She used to settle him on the couch and say goodbye before we'd leave.) So I knew this was coming.

Still. To think I will no longer have conversations with Snow Bear makes my eyes sting a little. More than a little.

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