My Favorite Babysitter

This little stuffed doggie (he's about 3" tall) was given to me by my favorite babysitter when I was a small child.

I don't really remember the circumstances, but I have a vague memory of being babysat at her house that day, rather than at my parents'. Or perhaps we were just at their house visiting; our respective parents were friends, so it wouldn't've been out of the question. I think I was six or seven at the time, but, again, I'm really not sure.

I say she was my favorite but I honestly don't remember that much about her. She was very sweet, was pretty and had long, brown hair.

After she graduated high school, she left for college, as many kids do. I'm fairly certain she went to LSU, but I don't know which campus (there was one in the city where we lived but it was not the main one).

I don't know what she planned on majoring in, but I've no doubt she would've been successful at whatever she did with her life.

She didn't get a chance to try.

She was abducted, raped and murdered one night, on her way back to her dormitory.

Her attackers were never caught.

Even though I barely remember her, I know I loved her. I have never gotten rid of this little little fellow. He's a connection to someone I can hardly remember but, at the same time, someone I don't ever want to forget.