Heller loved our game. I can still hear him in my heart, laughing each time his bear nose clicked with mine. The magnets, secretly hidden within the snout of these lovebird bears ensured that their kisses would hold tightly together—at least until a greater force pulled them apart.
I tilted my bear side to side, pretending to create a serious dialogue with Heller’s bear. “So, as I was saying,” I would begin, “I want to share an important message with…” Before I could finish, Heller would press his bear into mine and the lips would lock. My bear was rendered speechless. Of course, my bear would object, as a woman with something to say would, but Heller would just laugh and laugh.
Oh that laughter…
It wasn’t until just last year that I noticed the bear noses formed a heart. I imagine I was too enchanted by my own heart, standing before me with his twinkling eyes full of mischief and delight, to notice.
For the last two years, each time I pulled out our bears, to begin our holiday decorating, I longed for our game. I longed for my little boy and his laughter. But, each time those lips lock together, I know the kiss is a kiss from Heller.
This year, I am able to share the game with Nicholas, Heller’s brother, who is now old enough to understand. I explained to him that our game came from Heller. He understands that too.
Today’s Kindness Reminder:
Play with your children. Make them laugh. Show them your heart, and let them show you theirs. There is no greater force that can ever pull that away!
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