Frank,

Rollie asked Angie for a sketch pad and pencils. It's the first time he's asked for something since we met up in Docker River. So, of course, Angie had to immediately go buy them. While we were out shopping, she also found something called Tambo Teddies. They're wool teddy bears apparently made in Queensland. We both fell in love with them, but then Angie decided to actually get one for Rollie. A sort of "Get Well" present, she said. She promptly picked out a large, creamy colored one for him. I swear I think she whispered something in it's ear, right before giving it to the store clerk. She got it wrapped all nice and neat in a big box.

We finally headed for the Taylors and when we got there, Angie gave Rollie the pad and pencils. Then she brought in the box and gave it to him. He looked at it and looked at her. You could see the question in his eyes, but he finally opened it, very carefully. The look on his face when he saw the bear, Frank! A light came into his eyes and a delighted smile just bloomed on his face. Rollie just sat there for a good five minutes, hugging and petting it. When he looked up, he had tears in his eyes, but he pulled Angie into his arms and hugged her even longer than he did the bear.

Rollie's taking a nap now, still holding on to his new "friend". I don't know why he's reacting to it like he is, but it seems to have touched something deep inside him. We may not understand it right now (We may never), but it's obvious Angie did really good picking it out for Rollie.

Having hit that high note, I'll be heading home after Mangela comes to visit.

See you soon, Frank! (This time I really mean it!)
Mira

P.S. Mrs. Taylor promises to write out the cookie recipe for you after the "to-do" is over, so tell the girls they'll have to be a little patient.

P.P.S. I wish I'd had a camera to record that moment for you and Sarah, Frankie. You would have loved it. For that matter, I wish I had one now to take a picture of Rollie sleeping with his bear. It is so sweet! Maybe I'll go see if I can borrow one from our hosts.