Dear Doudou,
You came into his life on Day 1. You were a gift from his godmother and godfather, who had the wonderful tradition of giving the first blanket to the babies in their circle. You were blue like his eyes, soft as a cloud, dotted with cute little bees.
From that day on, you went everywhere with him. You wrapped him up for every nap, every night—the short ones and the long ones. Yes, he’d try to wriggle out of you, but he still wanted to have you by his side. As soon as he was able, he’d grab you and rub you against his beautiful round cheeks, seeking comfort.
You became his best friend—a versatile friend with a talent for everything. You could be a ball one moment and, the next, turn into a secret hideout. You’d become a playmat he stomped on, then a baby he cuddled. Whether you served as a superhero cape or a belt in a Western-style play, you had a role in almost all of his games.
One day, he was old enough to give up his pacifier, which you replaced with flying colors. He’d fall asleep while biting fiercely on one of your little corners of fabric. But you always forgave him for your injuries. You were inseparable.
You witnessed his best moments as well as his worst. You were stained with “spit-up” and bedwetting. You got dragged across a few plates and even fell into the toilet. #oops
You were the cause of his biggest tantrums when he was forgotten. But you were the one who comforted him through all the others…
We’re now on day 1,726. You’re still his best friend. You’re more gray than blue, rough as an old dishcloth, dotted with thousands of tiny holes from being chewed on so much. But held up to the light, you look like a starry sky.
Dear Doudou, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for rocking him, cuddling him, and being there for him—almost like a mother. Thank you for loving him. Maybe one day your paths will part, but you’ve undeniably left an indelible mark on Fiston’s heart.
Joëlle Burelle