Saturday, September 30, 2006

Little Bear Baby

See the cute little black bear baby sitting in the picture…he’s just above and to the right of Cucoo. I’ve had this little black bear baby for over 20 years. He was a gift to me and he wasn’t new at the time…He belonged to my 3 year old grandson, Doug. It was his prized possession and he carried it everywhere he went.

One weekend about 20 years ago…my son Brian, along with his wife Reva and grandson Doug traveled 75 miles to come visit. When they arrived I was sick in bed and remained there throughout their visit. I don’t exactly remember what I had, but it wasn’t anything catchy. Doug played around my bedside and when they got ready to leave, Doug hopped into the bed to kiss me goodbye and he gave me his little bear…he said it was to make me feel better.

I have carried this little bear everywhere and it’s usually in a special place in the corner of my computer room in a little hammock hanging on the wall…where I keep my prized possessions. My little visitors this weekend took it down from its home along with a big white teddy bear that has traveled throughout the U.S.A. with me and a little yellow ducky that quacks. I let my little great nieces play with the white bear and the yellow ducky, but this little black bear baby, I put on the shelf for safe keeping. I haven’t put any of the stuffed animals back into their hammock yet, but I will tomorrow.

Doug is now a 23 year old young man and I doubt if he even remembers his little bear baby that sucks its thumb. The bear can suck either thumb from each hand…it has a little hole for a mouth that the thumb fits into very snuggly. I also don’t know if anyone knows how much this little gift meant to me then and means to me now. It’s one of my most cherished possessions and perhaps when I am old and Doug is married with an adult son or daughter of his own, I’ll give them their father’s little bear to hold…or perhaps I’ll return it to Doug. After all, it did make me feel better and it has brought me joy every time I look at it…I think of Doug and how sweet he still is.
Doug is in the green and his little brother Brandon in the red shirt.

26 comments:

Jellyhead said...

Sandy, what a sweet, sweet story of a grandson's love. I bet that bear is one of the best gifts you've ever received.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sandy ~ What a lovely story for a little boy to give up his most treasured thing. He must have loved you a lot and
still does. I hope he sees this post.
Thanks so much Sandy for the Article you sent me about Hormone warnings for men.
Loved the chocolate solution. I cannot
have much chocolate, which is hard.
Take care, Love, Merle.

somershade said...

That is a great story and a great ideal to give that little bear to a grand baby of his.Yes Doug is a little sweety.

Pamela said...

What a wonderful sentimental little bear you have there. How thoughtful that day will be when you are able to pass it on to his child...sooo sweet. This was such a nice way to start my Sunday. :)

Rachel said...

Ahhh, what a sweet story Sandy!! Cute little critters you have and Cucoo has to be in there of course!!

Tanya said...

Such a gorgeous story. What a sweet bear. And a sweet grandson.

Susie said...

Such a touching and sweet gift from your grandson! No wonder you treasure it to this very day!
My daughter had a bear quite similar to that she named "Pouting Animal" He had the saddest little face!

TJ said...

that is such a sweet, sweet story...what would we do without GRAND-babies???
:-D

Carole Burant said...

What a precious little bear with such a wonderful story behind it! It's no wonder you have treasured it all these years!! I know you want to give it back to Doug one day but I bet it will be hard for you to part with it! Children can do the sweetest thing, can't they! Hugs xox

Shelley said...

I love the bear! He looks to have a freckley face! I wish I had some of my childhood toys. I think we were too quick to give them up!

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I love that bear story...I came by way of "Mother Kitty's" to view your birthday pictures. What a beautiful family and what a party! Happy Belated Birthday!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy ~ Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed the post, tears and all. Take care, Love, Merle.

HORIZON said...

What a lovely story. I have quite a few wee things like that that l cannot part with- so does my mum. For me one is just a rock with MOM written on it with a black marker- my son took so much time making it for me when he had just learned to write. Precious.
My Mum has kept so many things of ours through the years and just lately has given some back to us- memories from our own childhood- fantastic!
Take care,

Anonymous said...

That is so sweet. It's the small things that make life special.

Tim Rice said...

That bear is a precious possession. Thanks for sharing the story behind it.

Alipurr said...

and your two little nieces had sooo much fun at your house and felt so at home. We loved coming to your house, and the girls really like their Bybee tea set, and thank you for the pretty kitty teapot. It is so cute!

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

Alipurr...Motherkitty & I had fun picking it out. I thought of some great places for Motherkitty & I to shop at after you all left.

I really enjoyed your visit and I hope to see you and the girls again soon.

Ash said...

Nice one!

R.Powers said...

Sweet bear tale!

SnowWhite said...

what a beautiful memorie for you, very sweet. : )

Heidi Grether said...

A true family heirloom.

Franny said...

Is that a Monchichi!!??

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

Franny...I have no idea...but it's a cutie and a REAL treasure.

The Four Bears in the Woods said...

sweet post it made me cry. he is sweet if i do say so myself. :)

Anonymous said...

Not the three bears but the special bear story. I know how much that little bear has to mean to you. What a wonderful grandmother story.

Kerri said...

A very sweet gift and a what a precious, treasured memory it evokes! Doug was giving you back some of the love you give him.
To pass the baby bear on to his future child is a lovely idea :)