In Loving Memory of The Baby Blanket: To Honor and Uphold Her Legacy
Hi. I would like to begin by giving a big thank you to everyone for attending the celebration of life of The Baby Blanket. I know it may have been quite a journey for some of y’all to come out here, but I know The Baby Blanket would have wanted her final resting place to be here: the Baleno House. The Baby Blanket was my personal blanket growing up. I am the oldest daughter of the Baleno family and I was blessed to have the Baby Blanket in my life for 17 amazing years. Growing up, we were the best of friends. From sleepovers, to car rides, and even just lazy Sundays on the couch, we were inseparable. She was quite a memorable presence in the Baleno household. She was a nurturing soul and faithfully provided a comforting shoulder to cry on. She spent most of her time with the Baleno daughter, me, but nonetheless her immense grace and strength left a lasting impact on all that knew her.
The Baby Blanket was brought into this world in the country of Cambodia by the Carters Company in 2005. She was soon adopted by the grandmother of the Baleno family when they realized they were having a baby girl! With slight additions, like having a name embroidered and a nice presentational wrapping, she was placed into her life-long role in the Baleno household.
She became an irreplaceable part of the family. She is survived by the rest of the Balenos. The Baby Blanket quickly became of best friend status among everyone, inside the family and out. In the early years she went everywhere with the Baleno daughter, and due to her admirable hospitable attitude, she quickly made friends with all whom she met. She prioritized carrying herself with grace and her elegance continues to be admired by all. She was kind and compassionate; she was always willing to lend a helping hand and continued to do so until her very last day.
In her middle years, she fell deeply in love with Bennett the Bear. Their marriage was beautiful and the love they shared radiated onto all who knew them. It was clear to see that their wedding day was one of the best days of The Baby Blanket’s life. The joy in her eyes was true, and only one like The Baby Blanket could love so passionately.
My favorite memories with The Baby Blanket took place in car rides and summer naps. During our early years, we were best friends and she would help me get away with all my young mischievous plans and bad habits. For example, she always would cover for me when I had a huge habit of sucking my thumb. During car rides we would laugh, create stories, and watch the raindrops race down the window as we sped down the interstate in a minivan. Despite the fun of our carides, we would spend most of our time together when it was time for bed. Whether it was midday naps or the night before a big test, she was right by my side comforting me and uplifting me; always reminding me of my ability to succeed if I believed in myself and worked hard. When we were not together she sat and watched over the upper bedroom of the home, creating an aura of peace and comfort.
Even in her last days, as teenage independence began to create a wedge in our relationship and the time we spent together, she continued to be supportive and a loyal companion. Those middle school years were rough, and even when I pushed her, and my child-like way to the side, she continued to radiate compassion and was an unwavering source of strength in the toughest of times. May we all try to emulate the strength and compassion the Baby Blanket humbly casted upon her companions. May her memory long live, and may all those that knew her carry her legacy with honor and grace… as she would have wanted.
Stylus 