She inherited two Beanie Babies this summer.
Their fur is decorated in stars and stripes.
Red, white, and blue.
An elephant and a donkey.
We named them Trump and Clinton – seemed fitting.
Just an innocent little girl and her two stuffed friends. Oblivious to their symbolism. Unaware of politics, policies, promises, and party lines. Simply loving each animal for its yarn mane or its wavy trunk. Getting lost in imagination as her patriotic pals play — get this — together.
She went to bed last night with those bean-filled animals by her side… and she woke up this morning with the elephant packed in her book bag. And that was that.
Oh to see things as children again.
Wide-eyed. Pure. Unsuspicious.
Seeking joy in each new day, and trusting you will find it. And sure enough, you DO find it. It doesn’t take much, really. Just some hopeful anticipation.
Childlike faith – not to be confused with immaturity or naivety – is a beautiful thing. We can (and should) allow our grown-up and opinionated selves to find joy in today. Yes, TODAY. And tomorrow. And the day after that.
Regardless of which Beanie Baby lives in the White House.