Do you remember the thread about my son's missing monkey? Well, I promised to let you know what happened Christmas Day...

[CheeseAndBunion]

...So it would seen unreasonable not to.

I'm not sure if you'll all remember but a couple of months ago Crispface started a thread here in AIBU to try and help me track down a replacement for my 4 year old son's long lost stripey monkey. Hundreds of you joined in the search, and in the end two amazing Mumsnetters, Cloudbase and Sparrowfart, got in touch to say they had one. I know this isn't really a traditional AIBU but I promised to come back and update on the Xmas Day reunion - it wouldn't have happened without you all...

You might remember from my original posts that we are staying at my Parent's for Xmas. My Dad bought the original 'Stripes' for my son the day he was born so we figured reuniting 'Stripes' with my DS on Xmas day would make it special for them both. We wrapped the prodigal monkey and put him in his own stocking but he stayed hidden till after all the presents had been opened and lunch had been scoffed. Then sometime in between Happy Feet and Ratatouille I sneaked outside and put the stocking on the front door step. Back in the house, whilst we were all sat round and my DS was playing with my Dad, I said 'was that the front door?'. Given they're a bit cloth eared my Parent's didn't even question the fact that no-one had knocked and went to answer the door (my DS went running after to see who was there). There on the step was one little stocking, my son brought it in and I suggested he get Grandad to read the label out to him. So they sat in a chair and read and this is what it said...

'Dear DS,  Do you know the story of 'Stick Man'? Well a bit like 'Stick Man' I got lost a long, long time ago and couldn't find my way home. I met lots of lovely people and had many adventures whilst searching to find my way back and then this year I bumped into Father Christmas. He said that if I helped him deliver all the toys to all the boys and all the girls he would bring me home to you this year on his sleigh. I'm so glad he did. You're my best friend and I have missed you very much. I'm happy to be home...
Love 'Stripes' xxx

My Dad was in tears when my son unwrapped his missing monkey. My little boy is still bouncing off the walls with glee. He has not stopped squeezing 'Stripes' and telling us all how clever Father Christmas must be to have found him and how happy he is that he's back since. He went to bed last night with his prodigal monkey and slept for 12 happy hours with him clutched in his arms. You have all made him happier than you could possibly imagine and my Dad is still choked up talking about it now.

Thank you all. I am still touched by how many of you cared enough to respond to the original thread and our Christmas Day would not have had the same magic without you. If ever you are browsing threads and see the names 'Crispface', 'Cloudbase', or 'Sparrowfart' then please remember that they have hearts of gold and went out of their way to make a total stranger very happy. 

Merry Christmas to you all from the CheeseandBunion family and Stripes! I hope all of you had great days too.

Xx

[headfairy]

oh my god, the sweetest story I've ever read... dammit you've made me cry at work

[Lovethesea]

Oh that's magical. Thank you so much for letting us know!!

[statueofliberty]

I remember! Oh what a lovely ending,fantastic. Second time I've been tearey on MN today.x

[MmeReindor]

Oh, that is so lovely.

[Thumbinnapuddingwitch]

Ha, I have just realised I mixed up my lost toy stories - cheeseandbunion, ignore my ramblings about cards from Australia, that went to the little boy who lost his floppy dog toy in Blackpool!

Still so glad that your DS has his Stripes back and it was such a success.

[crispface]

Cheeseandbunion directed me here and it us 6am, I am off on my holidays and have literally sobbed my way through a shower!

Merry Christmas stripes!

Cheeseandbunion, you say your dad was crying, were you not sobbing too? In fact, wasn't everyone in your house in tears?!?!

[AwayinaKayzr]

That is such a brilliant ending to this story. Shed a few tears too.

I hope Stripes is having a great time being at home.

[CheeseAndBunion]

Hi Crispface, thank you for starting this whole story with the thread you wrote for me. I still can't believe you went to that trouble for someone you'd never met. Hope you have a great holiday and yes there were happy tears all round in this house Xmas day. We were a lovely big cheery mess x

[HedleyLamarr]

Oi FionaBruise, what was your ohs reaction when you read this to him in the pub?

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

I just read this story to DH and he is teary, too!!!

What a wonderful story! Happy New Year!

[WoodyAllenJesus]

I didn't read the original thread but oh my lord I'm weeping like a baby!

[alistron1]

Best thread ever

[Collision]

[QOD]

Sniff!!

[youarekidding]

How lovely

I love the fact you made such an effort with the reunion.

[SparkySparrow]

I was wondering about this monkey the other day.

I'm now a complete mess!

[ChunkyMonkeyMother]

Just beautiful - such a great idea to put a story behind it as well, real tear jerker! Lovely!

[1973magpie]

I remember the original thread too, how lovely that someone was able to reunite stripes with his person - sniff

[MudAndGlitter]

That's the best Christmas story ever. I'm blubbing.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

Lovely story !

[icapturethecastle]

Yes what a lovely Christmas story.

[dearprudence]

I remember the original thread too. Thanks for the update.

[sparrowfart]

To make you all weep even more, poor old Stripes spent the intervening years squished into a carrier bag in the back of a wardrobe. I'm delighted that he is going to be loved back to life again!

[effingwotsits]

Wonderful story

[confusedpixie]

I remember your original thread about finding a monkey, so glad all went well! Such a lovely story :)