A Tribute to Lambie

Born in Edison, New Jersey, Lambie traveled to a children's boutique in Clanton, Alabama. It is here that his life truly began. It is here that a small Guatemalan boy chose him out of a basket of stuffed animals. No one had any idea the impact that Lambie would make at the time, but it would soon be revealed.

Bubba was only home a few months when we traveled to Clanton for my dad's birthday. My mother and I ran in a little children's shop, hoping to find a Christmas outfit. Bubba was mesmerized by the stuffed animals that had been lazily thrown in a basket on the floor, so I put him down to see them. Barely able to sit up, Bubba swayed in circles and stared into the basket. Then, he pulled a floppy white lamb from the pile. With that, he was done and wanted back in my arms. Mimi (my mom) had no idea what she was purchasing at the time she purchased that lamb, and neither did I.

That lamb, named Lambie, has become a part of our family, and he has helped Bubba in ways that I never would have guessed. Lambie travels EVERYWHERE with Bubba. He has seen the inside of various preschools and playgrounds, been kicked around the floor of different doctors offices, and even participated in occupational therapy. Lambie has flown countless hours and should hold his own frequent flyer card. He has been from Arizona to Alabama, from Las Vegas to Dallas. He eats every meal and snack with us and watches as our bedtime routine is performed. Whether he is securely tucked in the back pocket of Evander's jeans or peaking out from Bubba's shirt (his body inside the shirt, but his head pokes out just under Bubba's chin), he will always be there.

Lambie has given Bubba strength and confidence in the most difficult situations. He is Bubba's best friend and confidant. He holds Bubba's hand when no one can and sees him through hard times when no one is around. He helps Bubba tackle challenges that he may not otherwise. He hangs in Bubba's shirt during anxious school hours and is clutched around the throat in public situations. He very rarely gets to rest, but he doesn't mind. He is there, no matter what.

Although he is now dingy and stained, with a small hole in his knee, I truly believe that Lambie has helped with Bubba's recovery. He is Bubba's security blanket and provides him strength to sleep alone and attend school. He is able to comfort Bubba when we cannot, and I thank him for that. Thank you, Lambie, for all you have done!