When a children’s story involves an unwanted separation, the tale usually concludes with a joyous reunion.  The absent parent returns at long last.  The beloved toy (thought to be lost forever) is found again.  The straying pet overcomes miles and obstacles to find its way home, into the arms of the eager child.  Life is returned to normal, and happiness is restored.

Unfortunately, reunion is not always in the cards.  Sometimes, no matter how much we want to, it’s simply not possible to go back to the way things used to be.  Sometimes—for reasons beyond our control, the old life can never be restored.  But that doesn’t mean that happiness is forever out of reach.

The Lonely Little Bumbershoot is about finding the way forward. Discovering a new life that’s nothing at all like the one left behind, but every bit as wonderful.

And in the end, the story reminds us that there is always a path toward love, and joy, and hope.