A War Lion

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I had to share this story by our Daughter in Law Danielle.

I bought this lion for my husband Joe about 6-7 years ago... We were dating and he was getting ready to deploy so I told him to take this lion with him. I picked a lion because of the symbolic meaning they have to offer us... One being to have courage and faith. As Joe was deployed I wanted the lion to keep his motivation alive. Well Joe took this lion on every deployment after and he's been around the world, and has seen many things good and bad....I told Joe I didn't want him to wash this lion(I know gross) but look at this stuffed animal, he's dirty, and beat up, he has been to war.... And if you could only smell what I can smell of this lion...... But one thing has never changed on this lion, and that's his smile. No matter what the lion has been thru that damn lion is still smiling:)



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Way Cool, Joe, way cool.

Em

Ya' might want to suggest to Danielle that she wear gloves when handling War Lion. One never knows what Joe Jr's buddies might have subjected that lion to while Joe was not around, all of which could be contributing to his patina and aroma.... A good soak & hot bath might not be a bad idea, consider he's back for good?

Maybe try dry shampoo or dry spray carpet cleaner and then lightly vacuum it off - - - - BUT, on a spot that won't show in case the Lion is allergic to it. LOL

Would not change a thing about that old soldier looks damn happy just the way he sits. Living large OO-RAH!

Dust him with Odo-ban or febreeze and let that veteran be.

When that old guy goes into the memory box that most ex service members have stuffed into a closet or attic, make sure a copy of his story goes in with him. I have my Granddads (WWI) and Dads (WWII) boxes. Both have a couple of things in them that I know meant a lot to them but the story of why they did has been lost (that reminds me I have a hat in mine that I should probably put an explanation in about :LOL: ) .


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Some of us old timers have enjoyed the privilege of watching you son grow into manhood and especially take on the sometimes thankless task of true service to fellow citizens and country. This contributes to the story even more. Thank you all, Joe, Mrs. Joe, younger Joe, and Danielle........

While I agree whole heartedly with Mikes comment about noting significance of mementos I can recall a few stories that, at least in mixed company, may be best left untold.;)

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Originally Posted by rspears

Ya' might want to suggest to Danielle that she wear gloves when handling War Lion. One never knows what Joe Jr's buddies might have subjected that lion to while Joe was not around, all of which could be contributing to his patina and aroma.... A good soak & hot bath might not be a bad idea, consider he's back for good?

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To clarify, my suggestion of a bath was considering that War Lion might be a bed partner for the kiddo, or a favorite pal to be carried around and loved well. If he's staying in a special spot of honor then by all means, don't risk anything that might change his "personality".

Roger rest assured that Lion is out of the reach of that 2yr old.
Like many of his mementos from his travels they are out of harms way of little ones.
Along w/this Lion, Joe has the unwashed US Flag he flew on his Trac while in Fallujah Iraq & the service paddle his guys made & gave him when he got out of the service.
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