She’s been telling us the story for months now, and we’ve been pretending along with her about her imaginary friend, Big Wolf. At the zoo last weekend, we had an idea.

“Big Wolf is right over there,” K whispered when we were in the gift shop. Sure enough, a pile of stuffed wolves. “She hasn’t seen it yet,” K continued.

“You keep her distracted,” I replied, “and I’ll buy the wolf and sneak it into our bag.”

We took her outside, had her sit down, and told her there was a surprise in the bag.

She looked in the bag and was immediately delighted. “Big Wolf!” she cried out, eager to show everyone.

After so many months of looking for Big Wolf, we finally found him. While most say the search, the journey, is the important aspect of any adventure, the actual meeting — the goal — was a moment of pure, unsurpassed joy.

Since then, Big Wolf has been her daily companion. He accompanies her to daycare, and even joins in the morning circle, the teachers tell us. “We’ve all gotten used to Big Wolf joining each and every activity,” Miss Brenda told me.

L constantly reminds us of the trick to life: find joy in the simplest things.