One Child's Treasure--

“Claire, did you want to give your mom something?” Tammy asked, propelling her niece forward.

The six year old approached the hospital bed, took the worn out rabbit she had been hugging against her chest, and gravely pushed it into her mother's hands. "Buddy will protect you."

“Thank you, honey.” Her mother said, matching the child's serious tone.

Two long weeks went by before the hospital released Claire's mother. That day Tammy let Claire stay home from school and helped her color the letters to a huge welcome home banner. When her parents opened the front door, she ran and gave them each a long hug.

Looking around all over she asked, “Where's Buddy?”

Her parents exchanged a look. Her mom said, “That old thing? It was time to throw it away.”

“But why?” she cried.

Her mother sighed. “Because it was filthy and coming apart at the seams. If you wanted me to keep it you should have kept it in better shape or picked a newer one.”

“No, no, no! Mommy, I didn't give you my worst animal--I gave you my best!”