Dear Aaron,

Today was one of those days I will never forget. We had a busy day. I dropped you off at school and then Lauren and I went and dropped Daddy's car off to get fixed. We took the trolley and bus home and had lunch and then took the bus to school to get you. I was planning on leaving you at school for the afternoon, but you begged me to pick you up on time so you could play chase with Tristan. Then it turned out Tristan stayed late anyway. I though about bringing the backpack to carry your stuff, but decided not to. I thought about leaving your things at home, but didn't. Should have, could have, would have became my theme song today.

We got on the bus no problem and got off to catch the next ride. Right after we stepped off and the doors closed you looked at me and said "Mommy I forgot my bag on the bus." My heart stopped and I started yelling for the bus to stop and waving my arms. We chased that bus as far as we could. You ran so fast screaming for your bag. At the time you were just upset about the bag. But I remembered what was in it and my heart broke for you.

We called the bus company who told me the same driver/bus would be back in about an hour, so we decided to wait. We sat at the bus stop for 2 hours and asked every bus that came by. You and Lauren amazed me. You guys were so good. We played red light/green light, I spy, raced and told knock knock jokes. I had no bag, no snacks, no toys, no drinks and no bribes. And you guys never asked. You just kept waiting for the next bus to come and bring your bag back.

I called the bus company again and this time they called all the buses and no bag. I asked if you wanted to wait anymore and you said no you just wanted to go home. So we did. When we got home, I called Daddy on the ship and hid in the bathroom while you guys played outside. I bawled like a baby. I had played it cool for 3 hours and I just had to let it go.

After talking with Daddy, I put Lauren down for a nap and then asked you to come sit with me. I said "Aaron, I have to tell you something that is going to make you very sad and I am very sorry. Do you remember what we put in your bag before we got on the bus?" You did not. I said "We put Teddy and Bullseye in there to keep them safe."

I watched your face and felt your little heart breaking. You were so sad. You cried and said how much you loved them and how they were your favorite and we had to get them back. I cried with you, though I tried really hard to be brave. We talked about how me might not get them back. But that we would try our hardest to find them. We talked about what you could have tonight to help you fall asleep. We talked about going to McDonald's for supper.

You are an amazing, strong, caring, kind and resilient little boy. We went to McDonald's. You ate your entire happy meal. But did not feel much like playing. We went over to the store and looked at some other animals, but you did not want any of them. At this point, you don't seem to want a replacement. I offered up my old teddy bear and you took it. Lauren gave you her horse and you gave her your Lighting McQueen. And you went to bed. You were a little sad but nothing like I had envisioned. It will probably get worse before it gets better. But you were amazing.

I have not given up hope. I believe in Karma. I believe there are good people in this world who would look inside that bag and give it to the bus driver instead of taking it home. But I also need to be able to offer you comfort if that does not happen.

Aaron, I love you with all my heart and soul. I cannot believe this incredible person you have turned into. You are full of surprises. I am truly sorry that we lost your favorite "teddy" and bullseye. I hate to see you in pain and full of such sorrow. I will do everything possible to get them back. But I will also be here for you if we don't. I know how much you loved them. You are growing up so fast. I am so proud of the person you are becoming and can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

Mommy