The Bug was born in the year 2003 when many of our friends were also having new babies. It was a fun time to be a mama to a little baby. Her playgroup had over lots of babies in it, and most of them were second born babies. From birth, she was drawn to a baby boy we'll call Buddy. You know his Mama and I didn't have a thing to do with their friendship. We didn't arrange it one little bit. No. Never. NEV-AH.
Well, Bug and Buddy became closer friends than his mama and I ever imagined. They were friends and co-conspirators. They played together, laughed together, ate together, and cut hair together the day before preschool pictures. Our Bug is not lacking in personality, and neither is her Buddy. They are quite a PAIR. They just seem to enjoy each other, not in a romantic way at all. In fact, we've never pushed that with these two because what 3 or 4 year old needs to worry about marriage? What we have encouraged is their sweet friendship. It really is sweet. Special. Unique. I mean, she never worried about wearing her bathing suit in front of him with that cute little belly of hers!
These two have enjoyed playdates and birthday parties together. They never tire of one another's company.
Buddy's not even afraid to wear a little gloss for the Bug. Well, 4 years ago he wasn't afraid. He probably wouldn't do it now that he's a big boy.
One of the most difficult parts of our move was that Bug had to leave behind her 4 best friends, including Buddy. It was heart wrenching. She just loves her friends. Bug and Buddy spent some nice afternoons at Pullen Park before we had to move.
Don't you just love how much fun they have together?
At Christmas, we stopped by Buddy's house to see him and his precious family. They are dear friends and we have missed them! None of us could understand why Buddy wouldn't come out and say hello to the Bug. She finally went upstairs with all of the children and they played and talked a little. Suddenly she was shoving money in my hands and telling me she didn't know what to do but that Buddy had given her the money.
"Oh, sweetie, we can't keep Buddy's money. That is so sweet but this is $6!!! That is a lot of money. I am going to give it back to his parents." She nodded and said, "I know. He doesn't need to give me anything."
I gave his Daddy the money. Buddy was still not acting like himself so his daddy went to check on him. Buddy's daddy came back and said, "I now know why Buddy was hiding. He was so upset because he did not have a Christmas gift for Bug. He told me that he couldn't not give her a gift but that he had not had time to shop for her. He wanted to give her something so he gave her his money. He gave her ALL of his money. So, if you've ever doubted his intentions for your daughter, you should know that he gave her every last dime he had!"
We all sighed a collective "Awww!!", and I wiped away some tears. Is that not the sweetest thing ever? Buddy gave our Bug everything he had. May it be so in all of our relationships. May we ALL give all that we have.
