First Came Una.

In the order of things: First Came Una.

She arrived in a wrinkled bag with wrinkled tissue and looked like she'd been that way since she was packed up in Ireland. She made us laugh when we first saw her because at the time, Una's recipient (Dec) was a 2 month old boy of a boy.

So, when we unwrapped Una, her pinkness was somewhat shocking. It was the first pink present he'd received. But it came from Auntie Una, with love from Ireland. So this pink bear soon became Dec's crib mate. Una, the bear, is quite like the real-life Una (the dear Auntie). She's ever-present in this house (as the real Una is in our hearts and minds), she's so squeezable and lovable. The real Una can give quite a lovely bear hug too. But mostly Una is comforting to be around. Una helps us relax - just like the real one.

Next on the scene was Murphy.

His story has a bit more color. Red comes to mind.

He came by way of the Hospital ER when Dec sliced his fingers (almost) off. Once Dec was stitched up and sewn back together, we were handed Murphy. A small white schnauzer.

The hospital had received cartons of Murphys to give to children in the ER from one generous donor who wanted his beloved pet's legacy to continue. Murphy was an easy addition to our family, for Murphy is Dec's middle name. What are those odds?

The last on the scene was Sheila

Sheila was her given name sewn to her bottom. She came from Granny Tess' dear friends who handed the package to Dec while whispering to me "our grand daughters just love these stuffed animals!". When Dec unwrapped her he tossed her aside without even a "thank you" or smile and continued playing with his trucks. Sheila would be a tough sell.

That first day, Sheila didn't come close to winning Dec's attention.

But that tiny white poodle held her own.

***

Sheila was missing.

The other night when I tucked the kids into bed, Sheila was missing.

After an all-out search (with my butt in the air and crammed under beds for most of it) she was found minutes later squeezed behind our globey pillow and a lego tub.

Sheila! You silly doggy!!!

Sheeeeeeeeiiiiiiillllllllaaaaaaa!!!!

Came the happy hugs.

She was placed into her spot between the kids for story time.

***

You see, I'm not a huge fan of stuffed animals.

Unless they are special.

Luckily, these three happen to be.

Murphy. Sheila. Una. - they've absorbed more of my kid's tears, hugs, and spilled bottles of milk than any other things in Happy House.

Since the first few days I met the hubby I'd heard captivating stories of his extended family living in the emerald Isle.

Two Aunties (Sheila Murphy & Una) were among the wonderful people he spoke of with great admiration, fond memories, and laughter.

***

As it happens, the day after Sheila went missing from the children's bed -

Sheila Murphy' died in Ireland.

It felt quite right that we'd lead the all-out search for the missing piece of our incredible fun-loving trio and that she slept that night tucked into Nonie's right arm.

Just as it feels quite right to surround the children with warmth from their relatives who love them from afar.

And from above.