Hello! My name is Baxter Quattlebaum and I was born on April 5, 2004. I have an amazing family and have been on some pretty terrific adventures.
My birth was something pretty special. It was a Monday morning. The mall where my family came to get me was very quiet because most other families were at work or school. My family came into Build-A-Bear and choose me! My mama cherishes me so much, for I hold some very special memories and mementos.
Here is my story…
My family was spending the day together – just the four of them. Mama was pretty sick and couldn’t be around many people, so they were thankful that the mall was pretty empty. They had decided to come to Build-A-Bear because some dear friends of theirs had gone to Build-A-Bear when they were facing a dramatic change in their family. When Mama was told that she might not be around much longer she knew that she wanted Victoria and Matthew to remember the sound of her voice. Victoria and Matthew were pretty young at the time, so my family came to Build-A-Bear to help give Mama the opportunity she was looking for. When Victoria and Matthew picked out the perfect pet for themselves, Mama recorded some special messages for them and the recordings were put inside of each of their pets. That way as Victoria and Matthew grew up, even if Mama was no longer with them, they could always hear her voice and be reminded of how much she loved them.
When Mama picked me out for her pet, Victoria and Matthew recorded their voices saying, “I love you, mom!” – that recording was put in my right paw. Mama and I moved into the hospital the next day and I went everywhere with her. Seriously, she loved me so much she wouldn’t go anywhere without me. I went with her to every bone marrow biopsy (which was every Thursday), every blood and platelet transfusion (which were dozens and dozens), every room change… well, you get the point. And, I met so many nice people! The doctor’s and nurses were amazing. The staff. The custodial crew. Everyone wanted to meet me.
Best part was every night when Mama was alone she would hug me and listen to Victoria and Matthew saying how much they love her.
I am loved so much my Mama says that I look like the Velveteen Rabbit. I’ve never met this rabbit, but Mama says he is from one of her very favorite stories about unconditional love. Life doesn’t get much better than that!
The Time that is Given 