We are all used to seeing small Parks in our towns and cities. All over the Earth they can be found. Places to visit and relax. To admire vistas and wildlife. Maybe have a picnic or to campout. Some have places to swim. All make Life more enjoyable.
Humans aren't the only Beings with Parks. Across a dimensional divide lies The Fifth Dimension. Humans who have been there have a hard time describing all the wonders there. There are Worlds unseen from ours. With vistas and creatures so fascinating.
One is the Land of Care a Lot. Where the main Intelligent Life Forms are the Care Bears and Care Cousins. One area of Care a Lot is The Forest of Feelings. The population of each area is small. With small clusters of inhabitants rather than large towns or cities.
Two such clusters are where places such as Rainshine Meadow and Woo Woo World Fun Park are located. Each is treasured by Care Bears and Care Cousins alike. To have one get damaged would be akin to having an Earthly place like Yellowstone Park suffering a catastrophe.
It had started out as a cloudy morning in Care a Lot. Cheer and Funshine decided to get out of the house for a while. Since the birth of their Cub, Feisty, they had been mostly house bound. They headed for Rainshine Meadow Park. As Cheer pushed the carriage Funshine carried a diaper bag. Which of course held more than just diapers.
In the carriage Feisty was happily trying to kick off his cub booties. He may not be able to walk yet, however he sure could kick! His cub carriage rattled from all his kicking.
The small family made their way around a swing set. A sudden wind gust set its two seats swinging a bit. "I hope the wind doesn't ruin our outing" said Funshine.
Cheer and Funshine found a picnic table with bench style seats. They parked the carriage and put Feisty's cub carrier on the center of the table. Where it was least likely to get rocked off the table. Cheer also used a temporary hold down similar to Velcro with sticky undersides. Then each of the adults sat on opposite sides to better keep an eye on Feisty's carrier. Soon they heard a commotion. Lovalot was seen trying to keep up with Miracle Joy. Who was carelessly carrying a picnic basket. Lovalot had to scoop up an apple which fell out of the basket. Poor Grizzle was trying his best to catch up to his Family.
Lovalot set a thick, heavy picnic blanket on the ground. Near the table close to Cheer and Funshine's table. Miracle Joy headed for the swing set. Fascinated to see its seats swinging with no Bear or Cousin's push. Just as Grizzle sat upon the blanket Miracle Joy pointed westward. "What is that, Dad" she asked.
Grizzle staggered to his foot paws. What he saw was cause for alarm. "Throw the blanket under the table and get under cover! That is a Squall line!" As his Family obeyed Grizzle staggered towards Funshine and Cheer. "Hey, you Bears" he yelled. "Severe weather approaching! Take cover now!" Although startled Cheer and Funshine yanked Feisty's carrier free. Funshine got the cub carrier under the table. Cheer grabbed the blanket and the diaper bag. She flipped the carriage's top up. The sky suddenly got darker as ominous looking clouds arrived overhead. Just then the Caring Bell rang out the signal for "take cover immediately.
A loud rattling was heard as a hailstorm began. Hailstones bounced off the carriage top. Bits of ice pellets shot between the wooden slats of the tabletop. The wind began to howl. The carriage was pushed up against the table. Miracle Joy took a peek from under the table. "Oh my Stars" she yelled. Even under cover she felt pieces of hailstones hit her hard enough to sting a bit. Grizzle had already felt the sting of hailstones. He had gotten conked by several large hailstones before he got under cover. Lovalot tried to gather him and Miracle Joy in her arms. The din from falling hailstones drowned out the sound of the tolling Caring Bell.
Meanwhile Cheer and Funshine huddled with Feisty held tightly to Cheer's chest. Cheer heard Funshine mumble loudly "oh thank you Grizzle for the warning." Cheer could not have agreed more. It seemed as if an apocalypse had arrived in Care a Lot. She heard a nearby snap and crashing sound. A large tree limb had landed nearby. Some of its upper branches were up against the far end of the table. However, her little family was still safe.
After fifteen minutes of sheer terror the tempest began to abate. Bears and Cousins from around the area breathlessly waited for an all-clear signal. The Hall of Hearts had missed out the full fury of the storm. After Young True Heart told Oopsy to sound the-all clear she used binoculars to peruse the immediate vicinity. Not much damage was seen. As she focused a bit further out, she exclaimed "this may turn out to be one really bad day in Care a Lot." Then she began to put into motion the Care a Lot Disaster Action Plan.
After crawling from under cover Cheer stood in awe. She was shaking a bit from rattled nerves. Her Family may have been harmed without Grizzle's warning. Cheer handed Feisty to Funshine. For she had seen Grizzle stagger out from under the other table. "Hold Feisty tight" Cheer gasped.
A grateful Cheer ran over to Grizzle who was a bit unsteady on his foot paws. Cheer picked him up as if he were a Cub. Lovalot had dressed Grizzle in the Care Bear equivalent of adult diapers. So, the runt Bear did look like a Cub. "Oh, you wonderful little Bear" said Cheer as she hugged Grizzle. "Your warning may have saved my Cub and my Mate!" Then Cheer handed Grizzle to Lovalot.
Miracle Joy was standing with her mouth agape. The immediate vicinity was littered with fallen tree limbs and branches. Three trees had been knocked completely over. Including the one that had hit the table she had huddled under.
Lovalot stood Grizzle up on his still shaky foot paws. Then cleared the top of a table. She retrieved the blanket and shook it to get rid of dirt or rocks. Lovalot set the blanket over the damp tabletop. Then Cheer walked over and said, "mind if I use this to check Feisty's diaper?"
As Feisty got a diaper change Funshine glanced around. He was amazed at the damage around them. Funshine put a paw on Grizzle's shoulder. "Grizzle your warning really is appreciated! I can't believe none of us got hurt." In the meantime, Cheer had used Cub Wipes to wipe down more than Feisty's butt. She had used some to give him a quick overall wipe down. Then she used some paper towels to better dry his fur. Luckily, he was quite dry compared to those around him.
Then Cheer handed Feisty to Funshine. As a Mother Bear she was relieved her Cub was unhurt. The thought of what might have happened without Grizzle's warning still had her shaking. To Funshine she said, "I need to thank Grizzle some more." Then Cheer made her way over to Lovalot.
Cheer whispered to Lovalot. Lovalot grinned, then stood and watched as Cheer picked up Grizzle. Whose mussed-up fur was still quite wet. His adult diaper sagging after the soaking Grizzle had been subjected to. It was also torn a bit by Hail Stone strikes. Cheer rubbed Grizzle's back. "You got bonked and soaked as you warned us. You deserve special treatment." Cheer then laid Grizzle on the blanket like a Cub. Miracle Joy giggled as Cheer removed Grizzle's adult diaper.
Cheer tickled Grizzle's bared belly. Then gently wiped him down from head to toes. Grizzle just lay like a Cub. Cheer giggled as she gently patted his buttocks. "Grizzle, cleaning you up is really helping to calm my nerves. Despite your age you really have become a perpetual little boy Bear. It is like having another baby Tugs around. You and Feisty should be natural playmates as soon as Feisty gets a bit bigger." Cheer soon had Grizzle in a dry diaper just like Feisty. Grizzle giggled as Cheer rubbed his damp foot paws. Cheer was amazed at how cold Grizzle's undersized foot paws felt.
"I wish I had some dry Cub booties for your little foot paws. They feel so cold. This should warm you up a bit", said Cheer. Grizzle giggled then sighed as he got a foot paw rub. Cheer felt happy to see the serene look Grizzle had as she tended to him.
"Grizzle, cleaning you up and diapering you really did help to calm me down. It has also helped to cheer me up. Now I know why Lovalot loves you so much. I believe the Fates and Mother Star had special plans when your floating Castle crashed. Caring for you is an uplifting experience and an inspiration.'
Grizzle sighed as he was handed back to Lovalot. Grizzle felt just like a pampered Cub. Carefully Lovalot carried him toward their home. With Miracle Joy lagging behind. There were puddles of icy water to jump up and down in. Miracle Joy didn't mind getting wet all over again. The fun ended as her family arrived home. The little family was happy to see their home had suffered only two damaged shutters.
Due to debris it took a while for Cheer and Funshine to get Feisty safely home. The carriage had to be maneuvered around puddles and tree limbs. Some tree limbs had landed on the roof of their home. Luckily the roofing was made of hard slate like shingles. There was no power to the home for several hours.
The Care a Lot Disaster Plan was already in action. The Care Power Team stopped by to make sure no one was injured. They handed out bottled water, candles and non-perishable food items. Including powdered Cub Formula. Luckily the power came back on just as the daylight was fading into dusk. Bears and Cousins were grateful to sleep safely that night after such a trying day.
The next morning word was passed around Care a Lot to take time off from regular work duties. Thus, everyone whose homes had been affected could get a chance to get their lives back on track. Then a meeting was held at The Hall of Hearts the following day. A plan was devised to get Rainshine Meadows back to a being a functional recreational and rest area.
Thus, it was a few days later a group of volunteers arrived early at the park. They laid down some thick mats and erected a temporary barrier of netting. Then threw in a few things Cubs may like to play with. As some Bears watched Smart Heart asked Young True Heart who was going to Cub sit as the Adults cleared debris. Young True Heart laughed. "I chose the one grown Bear who can still truly can think like a Cub. Oh, here he comes now."
Smart Heart laughed as she saw Lovalot pushing a wheelbarrow. Sitting in it was none other than Grizzle himself. Miracle Joy was walking in front making sure the path was clear enough for the wheelbarrow. Just as Lovalot sat Grizzle in the play area Gentle Heart Lamb showed up with Lucas. He ran into the play area. The hybrid Care Cousin Human looked like a golden furred Sasquatch. Whose curls were the envy of many a Bear and Cousin.
Funshine and Cheer showed up with Feisty. They were astonished as Grizzle quickly set up a mini-play pen within the barrier. Feisty's parents saw Grizzle shake a rattle and then hand it to Feisty. Grizzle then took another rattle and shook it where Feisty could see it. Feisty could be heard cooing with content as he shook along with Grizzle. Funshine laughed. "Grizzle really is a Cub at Heart!"
Grumpy and Share arrived next. Sulky frowned as she was placed within the play area. She flashed a half-smile as she ran over to Lucas. Then the oft dynamic duo made their way to Grizzle. Grizzle nearly lost his Adult Diaper as Sulky tugged on them. "Need colors" she said. Grizzle was ready. He handed her some Cub safe markers. Soon Sulky, Lucas, and Grizzle had very colorful diapers. Mean-while the adults were busy with the clean-up.
Tender Heart finally made it from The Hall of Hearts to the Park. Wonder Heart giggled with glee as she ran into the play area. "I wonder if you can put up with all of us Cubs" she said to Grizzle. Who laughed good naturedly.
"The more Cubs and Kits playing within the barrier the merrier" said Grizzle with a grin. Then a bunch of squealing was heard. Beastly and Sweet Treat had arrived with their three little Piggies. Candy, Taffy and Pepper Jack joined the chaos within the Play Area. Beastly would have a hard time helping the Adults. Since he was wearing his leg brace. Miracle Joy led him into the Play Area. Sweet Treat helped the other adults move debris. For she was one strong Sow Piggy.
As the adults cleared and hauled off debris the youngsters in the play area grew boisterous. Somehow Grizzle and Beastly were able to keep the youngsters busy and happy. Although at times they nearly lost control of things. Share had entered the play area to check Sulky's diaper.
"No check his and his" Sulky yelled as she tugged down Grizzle's and Feisty's diapers. Then sent their diapers sailing out of the play area. Where they landed in a puddle. Sulky actually cracked a smile as Cheer put a new diaper on Feisty. Then Cheer noticed Grizzle struggling to get a new adult diaper out of the basket Miracle Joy had carelessly handled earlier. Grizzle struggled to get the diaper on. As he tried to balance on one foot paw he fell over
Cheer placed Feisty back in his Cub carrier. Then she grabbed Grizzle just as he got back on two feet. To Cheer the frustrated Grizzle looked like an unhappy Cub. Cheer's maternal instincts kicked into overdrive. "Having a hard time getting a diaper on" said Cheer as she grabbed Grizzle. "Let me help you."
Cheer rubbed his tummy and patted his backside. Then laid him on his back. Happily, Cheer diapered Grizzle. "You are just so cute when getting diapered" cooed Cheer. "Please stay forever young. Taking care of you and Feisty helps me feel better and younger too. Lovalot is so lucky to have you as her one-of-a kind Mate."
Cheer sighed as she set Grizzle back on his foot paws. Cheer hoped she would get some future chances to tend to Grizzle. Grizzle made his way over to Miracle Joy. Miracle Joy had been watching along with Taffy Boar. Taffy grunted a bit as she giggled. "MJ, your Daddy is so much funner than any other grownup. Even more than my Daddy."
Taffy's father was nearly exhausted in trying to keep up with the noisy youngsters vying for some of his attention. Beastly persevered. He was nearly knocked off his leg brace several times. Sweet Treat peered over the barrier to check on Miracle Joy and Beastly.
Share came up beside her to make sure Sulky was okay. Also, to make sure Sulky was done yanking off other's diapers. Share tapped Sweet Treat's shoulder. "Sweet Treat" said Share with a laugh. "It looks like Beastly and Grizzle are having just as much fun as the little ones they are supposed to be Cub sitting."
Several more adults stepped forward to watch alongside Share and Sweet Treat. Young True Heart was one of them. She suddenly chuckled. "I guess I chose the right adult for the job of Cub and Piggy sitting today. Beastly is a bonus as a sitter. Although I am not sure if Grizzle and Beastly really are adults."
Cheer was now watching too. "Grizzle and Beastly are each one of a kind. Bless Mother Star and the Fates for making that so. From checkered pasts to a glorious present, they are both now an inspiration to all. They know how to live with the pains of Life. How to triumph after being brought low. Most of all they know how to make any adult giggle. Helping us all to feel better. If a Care Bear could become a Saint, I know who those Saints would be. In the meantime, I sincerely hope Grizzle and Beastly live for many many more years."
As the day progressed most of the adults got Rainshine Meadow Park back to being a safe place to stroll or play. Their task made easier knowing Beastly and Grizzle was watching over their Cubs, Lamb, and Piglets. As the adults finally called it a day, they gave some tired youngsters a ride home in wheelbarrows.
Two supposed adults also got a ride home in wheelbarrows. Beastly and Grizzle were tuckered out from their Cub sitting stint. Amused adults watched the spectacle. As they watched, Smart Heart turned toward Young True Heart. "You were correct to choose Grizzle as a sitter. Beastly turned out to be a natural sitter too. Those two former delinquents are now two of Care a Lot's greatest resources."
Beastly and Grizzle would both slumber peacefully that night. Just like the Cubs, Lamb, and Piggies they had watched over. Sweet Dreams Bear made sure of that. As did Bedtime Bear and Proud Heart Cat. The Care a Lot night-time crew knew they had to take special care of Beastly and Grizzle. Care a Lot was a much better place thanks to two eccentric citizens who had never really grown up. Two who were forever young and forever fun. The Fates had known what they were doing when they set Grizzle and Beastly on unlikely paths of Caring.