My granddaughter, Micah, loves otters.
It is my fault.
Last summer, when she was just a year-and-three quarters old, I showed her a clip of a squealing baby otter in water for the first time (I find this scenario confusing but I’ve chosen to accept it for the time being).
Her dad, my son, recorded her reaction…oh, and that’s Dennis, of course. He has to be in the middle of everything:
On every subsequent visit, Micah has asked to see the baby otter.
I’ve played the clip a million times.
Naturally I started buying her otter toys.
Micah’s Mama gave her the CUTEST otter bedroom slippers for her second birthday (I so wish I had a photo; I must get one).
Imagine my delight upon finding this blanket at Christmastime:
Micah adores it so much that she must have it now to go to sleep.
This gives my Franna-heart so much joy, as she’s struggled with going to sleep all of her little life.
When she stays at my house, she will crawl into my lap and say, “Snuggle. Need baby otter blanket.”
So I carry her to retrieve it. We return to the sofa. I wrap the baby otters around her, rocking gently, gently, until she drifts off.
And I will hold her for ever how long it takes, until she wakes.
Once in a while
There comes a creature so wondrous
That you will hold it close forever
Embracing joy, erasing fear…
Rest here against Franna’s beating heart
Sleep, my darling, sleep.
*******
Composed for Day 12 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge with Two Writing Teachers
lit bits and pieces 
This post is infused with love. Micah is a total cutie! The video is adorable and I can just imagine your joy at finding that blanket. Ending with that acrostic (with those gorgeous first three lines ) is just perfect. What a love story!
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Every minute with her is absolute joy, Molly – even if I must lie down after she goes home! Thank you for your words 🙂
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Oh, what a precious picture! She is a doll, and seeing her with that fascination is so heartwarming! I must share my otter story with you – a story for another day, but they are also my favorite animal besides a dog, and that blanket is adorable. I might try one myself and see if it has magical sleep powers for my sleepless nights. You are such a blessing to help your grandchildren love life and the blessings of birds, possums, otters, family, faith, each other, writing, and so much more of what matters.
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Can’t wait for your otter tales…the blanket is so soft and cozy. I suspect it would, indeed, help you sleep. Blessings…beyond compare. I count them every single day.
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What a precious slice about Micah! You have so much love for her…and your bond is the sweetest! Your poem is just perfect!
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I am OVER THE MOON for this post! I had to watch the video to get the full experience: Micah cooing about the otters, Dennis demanding his fourteen second of fame, and all of the love surrounding that beautiful child.
I’ll also confess it took me a second read to notice that you crafted us an acrostic poem…which is exactly how I love my acrostic poems to be. =)
And…for the record…there are worse things than snuggling under the couch with a little one!
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This is adorable and also so touching. Grandchildren are so precious.
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Otters are cute! And thar video is absolutely adorable. I know you know how fast time flies. I know you’re soaking up every time she wants to snuggle with you & that blanket. So many memories are being made each time she does that
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Fran, your post is so moving. I’m in tears. Your photos are precious, and your poem is incredible!
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So sweet and adorable, this lifelong connection you are nurturing. (My husband keeps watching otter videos and wants me to watch them too. Is it a thing?)
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I have a granddaughter with a beloved otter lovey. Your poetry is spot on – “Embracing joy, erasing fear…” – this is the point of these beloved toys.
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Oh my goodness, otters have always been among my favourite animals (after horses and cheetahs)! I totally understand Micah’s love for them. They are so playful and engaging. You can tell Micah that I have otters on my winter pyjamas! I totally understand the need for an otter blanket. Have you ever heard of the book Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell? It was a set book for us in the UK decades ago and I think that’s where my love of otters began. He kept otters as pets in Scotland, but I think they came from the marshes of Iraq.
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Otter pajamas-! My Micah would love those! Now I must hunt for that book-! Thank you as always for your thoughts, Celia.
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It’s always fun to discover what will capture the attention and hearts of our little ones! This is a memory to have at hand for those days not long ahead when she’ll think her childhood is far behind her. Wouldn’t it be fun if otters figured in her grownup plans? Such a sweet post, Fran!
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Childhood is so full of enchantments… I will be interested to see if her love of otters stays. Thank you, Chris!
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