Our first born was around eight months old when he was gifted the adorable plush dog, Bau–Bau, that was to become his inseparable security blanket. Bau-Bau was always with the baby and the baby always with Bau-Bau!

A few years later, when he reached grade school, our little boy would agree to separate himself from Bau-Bau for the duration of the school day. Until one day, in the second grade, he left to school grabbing Bau-Bau under his arm. I thought he might have show and tell that day but what I learned was a heartbreaking discovery. My little boy matter of factly declared, “I am taking Bau-Bau with me so I can play with him if nobody wants to play with me.” WHAT? Not only I hadn’t heard of bullying, yet, but could it start as early as the second grade?

In my little fellow’s case the bullying was never physical, it was psychological. The other kids would purposely mispronounce his Italian first and last name in order to make him feel different; even suggesting that his English had a funny accent (he was born and raised in the U.S), which most probably was a result of hearing his mom’s funny accent. My very sensitive little boy wasn’t a large or tall kid at the time, but didn’t cowardly retreat and endured those hurtful days with an unexpected aplomb, conscious of the fierce love and support of his family and, obviously, Bau-Bau’s backing.

The years have gone by but nobody has had the heart to dispose of the lump of mesh and plush Bau-Bau has become after much intercontinental loving. Although it doesn’t even remotely remind you of the cute plush dog it used to be, it still is stashed in a closet’s corner; you just can’t get rid of a loyal paladin!

Fun Fact...

By the age of 14 my guy shot up and surpassed most of his peers by at least half a head. About his funny accent? He fluently speaks three languages and can manage anywhere he chooses to go in the world. He recently came back from a 5 days/10 men bachelor party in Cartagena, Colombia, where he was the voice of the group, translating back and forth for guests and hosts to be able to comfortably manage a great time. There is a saying in Italy, “Ride ben chi ride ultimo!” “Laughs best he who laughs last!”