Thursday, February 14, 2013

The Story of AJ

It's Valentine's Day!   Over the years, I have received many lovely cards, boxes of chocolate, large bouquets of beautiful flowers and even poems written by my hubby just for me!  This year he brought home a box of chocolates and a wonderful card but, in today's post, I want to share about the sweetest gift that I ever got for Valentines. Actually, I think I got it before valentines, but no matter, it is the epitome of love!

Meet AJ!






My hubby bought him for me seven years ago when I was in the hospital for mastectomy surgery for breast cancer. My husbands name is Andy.  As is true to my husband's character, there was a story that went along with the gift. He said, "Meet AJ!  This is Andy Junior! He is my replacement.  I know that you cannot hug me, right now, so I got AJ for you to hug--he's soft and cuddly.  When you hug him, just imagine that you are hugging me!  You will be hugging me again soon!"

I only lost one side, so when I got home, I needed to prop up my arm on a pillow to be able to sleep well.  Then there was the long process of weekly painful expansion injections to enlarge a space to place an implant during the second surgery. So . . . AJ was large enough to hug on that one side, and he has a much softer texture than my pillow surface!  AJ and I had many cuddly times together during that period of my life.

And the rest of the story . . . . I love bears, my bedroom is decorated with black bears.  I have a big black bear pillow that I use when I read in bed.  (Yes, and wouldn't you know it--I have an heirloom quilt on my bed!)


But AJ's place is not equal with my bear pillow, he usually occupies this spot as "top dog" (sorry, AJ) on my pillow keeping watch over everything!


Love you AJ!  Love you, Andy!  U R mine!  

Happy Valentines Day!    

11 comments:

Memories for Life said...

That is such a sweet story! Your hubby is a real keeper :) I can see why AJ is such a special gift!

JulieandMax said...

What a lovely post - no wonder AJ is so special. Thanks for sharing with us :)
Julie

sacra vim said...

Aww! Such a wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing!

Rose Clearfield said...

What a sweet story! Your husband is such a great guy.

Aloquin said...

That has got to be the cutest, most adorable post I've read in a long while :) Hi AJ! I am a fellow CASTer... God bless, and Happy Valentine's Day to you, too! :)

Natashalh said...

What a sweet, useful gift! And congrats on getting through your surgery and everything. My grandmother had a mastectomy a few years ago and I remember her recovery well.

Trina Prenzi said...

Such a sweet story! What a special and meaningful gift AJ was, a true treasure. Thank you for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

What a very sweet sentiment! And a great husband too:)

Pamela Bates said...

what a great story and such a thoughtful gift. i love that he gets top spot.

one of my best gals was diagnosed about 2.5 weeks ago. it's been a very stressful time filled with worry. she had double M week and a half ago (as did my sil 12 years ago). she's been incredibly strong, like all the women I know who have gone through this. everything came back great. best news possible. I'm so glad that you can look back on such a challenging time and be reminded of the good things in your life.

SarahBeth said...

I can see why AJ holds a big place in your heart! How very thoughtful and loving of your hubby...

Splendid Little Stars said...

beautiful!
What a special, special husband you have!