Admit it, as a kid we all grew up with that one toy or pillow that never left our side.
For others, it is a security blanket that always makes them feel comfortable and safe.
For some of us, though, it was all about our toys.
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But what if this toy gets lost? A girl from Plano, Texas went through this kind of pain but fortunately, there were others willing to lend a hand.
Even if that means crossing thousands of miles to do it.
Valentina Dominguez was on a five-day Vacation in Tokyo when she realized something.
She and her family scoured their hotel room and traced their activities back just to look for Beatrice.
Beatrice is an American Girl doll that never leaves Valentina’s side.
When rummaging the hotel room proved unfruitful, the family contacted Turkish Airlines.
Unfortunately, they never got a response from the airline throughout their stay.
It was a heartbreaking episode for Valentina.
The doll was given to her by her grandmother four years ago and it was so special that she brought it with her in her travels.
Just when all hope was lost, they received a call they’d been anticipating since their trip to Japan. The airlines found the doll safe and sound.
There was one problem, however.
Beatrice was being held at Tokyo’s Haneda airport. Authorities said the doll can’t be brought aboard citing security reasons.
However, the airport authorities provided a solution – albeit a very complicated one.
They said someone in Japan could pick up the doll or ask someone who was going to Japan to bring the doll back with them when they returned to the United States.
Valentina’s mother asked around and through Facebook, looking for someone who could help them.
Fortunately, a pilot from Richardson, Texas, learned about the predicament.
Pilot Jim Danen regularly flies to Tokyo. He promised Valentina and her family that he’ll get Beatrice back.
Valentina waited anxiously.
Then, a few days later, a car drove up to their house and brought with it a much-awaited member of the family.
Pilot Danen traveled halfway across the world and then some just to bring Beatrice back.
He even gave Valentina a map of Beatrice’s journey and a photo of the doll sitting by the aircraft’s window.
Danen shares he is no stranger to this kind of story.
Back then, his son also lost his favorite toy at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
The doll, a raccoon named Rusty, never made it back home.
To this end, Valentina acknowledges how lucky she was to get Beatrice back.
She also said that after the incident, she decided to leave her friend at home when they got the chance to travel again.
American Girl is one of the most recognizable brands in the country.
The 18-inch dolls became famous right after debuting in 1986. The company also released storybooks that gave the dolls their own backstories.
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The company was acquired by Mattel in 1998, also well known for producing the Historical Characters line which features girls in history that made a significant impact.
See this little girl be reunited with her beloved doll thanks to a tenderhearted pilot below!
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