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Once upon a time a bear family lived in the woods of Lehigh University, in the forest of South Mountain, near the magical place we call Sesame Street.  There was, of course, a Father Bear, a Mother Bear, and a Baby Bear.  The young bear had lovely soft brown fur and gleaming bright black eyes.  The parents loved their baby bear very much.  They took good care of him and taught him all the bear lore that a young bear should know.

Father Bear encouraged the baby bear to grow up to be all that he could imagine himself to be.  Father always told him that he was a special and important bear, and he should make a difference in the world.  Mother Bear taught him always to be kind, friendly and polite.  As he grew up he was a joy to his parents and loved by all who met him.

One day the young bear came to his parents and said, "Father Bear, Mother Bear, I have something to tell you.  I have been thinking about this for a while, and I have decided it is time that I leave this wonderful bear den where I have grown up.  Tomorrow is my birthday.  I want to see something of the world beyond this forest.  I have a feeling that I want to find and help some young creatures outside our woods.  I hope you will understand that it is now time for me to seek my fortune."