A Boy & His Bear

In what initially seemed like a story of lost love and neglect, my sister sent me this sad picture (on right) of her son's red stuffed animal, aptly named Bear:

Before & After

I figured the photo reflected Bear's abandonment on a sandy beach - a final disavowment of him for being such a horribly old and decrepit thing.

But I was wrong.

Before I go on, let's first reflect on life with Bear.


Bear as Teething Toy

Bear as pillow

Bear as pre-op nurse (for tubes in ears)

Bear as protector of the wild

Bear as artistic muse

Bear has served many purposes in his worn and wearied life, perhaps none as important as his role as grief counselor when my nephew suddenly and unexpectedly lost his father. Bear represented continuity and consistency when the whole world went mad. Bear was as real and as important as any friend or relative out there.

I am not sure what the mental health experts have to say about childhood attachments to stuffed animals.  I do not know if they frown upon kids finding comfort and love through "imagined" conversations and friendships. 

But I believe there is some magic in these loyal companions, these bits of cloth and buttons, who loom so very large in our early years.

And what of that picture of "abandoned" Bear on the beach?  'Twasn't so.  It was actually Bear accompanying the family on a recent vacation and our tired red friend was simply getting some color.

Thank you, Bear.  For all that you have weathered and all that you have done.  Next time you visit, I will be sure to introduce you to a very good friend of mine. 

I call him Pooh.

In case of fire, Pooh is the only thing I would grab after my children and husband.