Dani Learns Courage

This is the story of these the most caring and protective bear the world has ever known. You may be sitting there thinking “oh yay it’s a story about Pooh”. Nope. This bear is much more important at least to one little girl. So much so that this bear became her guardian any time she needed him. Little Dani was lost in the woods one day when her family decided to go camping. Sitting against a tree and tears streaming down her face, she noticed a gray bear walking up to her. It didn’t scare her like most would think. Instead this bear brought an overwhelming sense of calm all around her. It was almost as if she was back in her mother's arms. The feeling was so welcoming Little Dani had to look around to see where she was. “You’re not my mother are you?” Dani asked. “No I am not young one. My name is Tippy and I am a guide and protector of young ones like yourself. It has been a long day, so we will rest here for the night. You may use me for warmth and fear not young one I will watch over you as you sleep. We will head out as the sun begins a new day.” As Little Dani slept through the night, Tippy guarded her without so much as a nod as if to sleep himself. The shadows crept in and the noises were unnerving but he never faltered. She was his to protect, even if it was temporary, and he will not fail this vow. She never stirred and as she let out the cutest snore he chuckled to himself. He was happy she could relax. Being lost is too much for a young one to handle. When she finally woke, he was sitting there as still as a statue watching out into the forest like his life and hers depended on it. Tippy let her fully wake before setting out. As Tippy led Dani down the winding path back to where her parents were they talked about everything that she was afraid of. “So tell me little one what is it that’s bothering you so much?” “I feel I have done something that was wrong. I followed a pretty flying lady into the woods when mommy and daddy were distracted and I am sure they are worried about me and probably oh so upset,” Dani said through the sniffles. “I feel ashamed. She was oh so pretty and so nice. Until we got deeper into the woods. Then she wasn’t so nice any more.” “Sounds like a Fae, little one. They can be pretty and seem nice but they can be a tricky bunch. They say show respect to them and you’ll have no troubles. Nothing to be afraid of though young one.” “But how am I to stand up to them? Don’t you have to be big and strong? I am so little.” “My beautiful Dani, the strength and courage you need is already within you. The fear you feel is hiding it away where you can’t see it. All you have to do is remember not to be afraid. It’s as simple as that.” They moved closer and closer and Dani's mother and father slowly came into view. The excitement swelled up in Dani’s heart and she got super excited just to see them again. All of a sudden the beautiful Fae lady was there blocking their path. Dani shrank behind Tippy forgetting all that was said about fear and courage. “Remember young one have courage and face your fears. Also, show respect. It’ll get you far.” Dani slowly came out from behind her gentle and wise guide. Still shaking a little she introduced herself to the beautiful flying lady. “Hello, my name is Dani. I want to thank you for showing me your home. I know you were scary at first but I see now you were giving me a chance to learn courage. Also, without you I’d have never met Tippy.” The gaze of the flying lady fell on Dani. Then to Tippy and back to the young one. “Such respect from such a young soul. I thank you for that and thank you for your compliments on my home. I shall give you a gift for showing respect.” Dani and Tippy look at each other for a second. “Tippy was it? How would you like to be with her forever? Kind of like her own little cricket. Now nobody will ever know of the connection but some will get close.” “What do you mean? How is this possible?” The flying lady snaps her fingers and Tippy feels an energy flow through him. “From now on you’ll be her guide. To everyone else you’ll seem as nothing but a stuffed toy that is the young ones constant companion. But you two will know the truth.” This was how Tippy and I first met. We walked out of the woods and into my parents arms and they were so happy I was back that they didn’t even question Tippy being with me. He’s been my faithful friend ever since and one day he will be yours my sweet child. Until then, I will share our tales with you.