GARE BEAR READS TO CICI
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The day is winding down and I’m sitting in a rocking chair in a room lit only with a night light and soft music playing in the background. In the attempt to bring routine, open dialogue and give a sense of belonging to our newly adopted 13 month old son, Garrett’s life, we begin to create a night time prayer. To avoid the inevitable though, my tired toddler is snuggled on my lap asking for one more book. So, the prayer needs to be concise and special. Become his creation and way to say goodnight. With tangential recollections of the day intertwined with lessons of gratitude, counted blessings and the occasional need to say I’m sorry, verses began to come together. Adding a whimsical flare each night, a melody was discovered and after weeks of rehearsal and song emerged! Proud of his creation, Garrett’s little voice could be heard reciting it to his crib toys, imaginary friend Cici and even the family dog, Luna. Over time his reputation for hugging everyone and singing his prayer each night without fail, earned him the nickname Garebear by the family cousins.
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About the Book
The new parents of their adopted 13- month old, Garrett, are trying to bring a sense of belonging, love and the Lord to his new life. A top priority is a nighttime routine. He loves being read to, being sung to and snuggling with his toys and family dog, Luna at bedtime. Whimsical narration of the day recounting the blessings and discussing lessons learned grew into the creation of a prayer. With Garrett’s desire to add a melody, the prayer transitioned into a song. In this one short prayer song, he learns about being grateful, being blessed, being loved by Jesus, the gift of having a mom and dad, forgiveness and the hope of trusting in God. Oh, the sweet sound of our new toddler singing to his crib toys, imaginary friend Cici and the family dog after being put into bed! This beautiful moment becomes our family routine over the next nine years no matter what, even if only over the phone.
About the Author
Elizabeth and her husband adopted their 13 month old after unsuccessful attempts to start a family on their own. Nightly recollections of the day spurred my creation of this prayer. My love of singing to Garrett resulted in it becoming a song. My dream of being a mom had been fulfilled! Publishing was never on my radar, so I was shocked when God wanted this season in my life shared with others. Writing this book was a new adventure, but now Garrett can start his own bedtime routine with my new precious grandson.