EXCERPT FROM the bedtime story/picture book "BUDDY, EVERAFTER"

When the little girl was born, she was given many things. Lots of toys. Lots of clothes. Gifts of all kinds. Smiles and tickles, hugs and kisses.

Mom received flowers. Dad received kind words.

Yes, when the little girl was born, she received many things, but only one blanket.
Although the blanket looked as though it had been hand sewn with the softest and brightest of all white threads, it wasn't even brand new. It was a gift from the little girl's grandmother.
The blanket belonged to the little girl's Mommy when she was a baby, and grandmother had kept it safe and sound through the years. Now it belonged to the little girl.
When the blanket was laid down on top of the baby, it covered her from head to toe. As she grew older, the blanket did more than keep the little girl warm. It was a familiar spot to lay her head. It made a nice hiding place when she played peek-a-boo.
Best of all, the blanket was warm and soft and cuddly when nap-time rolled around.
When the little girl was old enough to talk, she gave her blanket a name. She called her blanket Buddy.