Friday, February 26, 2010

Teddy Bears, Washing Machines, and Life

This is Teddy. At almost 41 human years, he wears his obvious bear years well. He has stood sentinel of my life since my arrival in this world, when his pink fur glistened in my baby crib. Of course, teddy bear fur does not adapt well to human saliva, dirt, and traumatic experiences in the washing machine. Despite these setbacks, he survives, with button eyes, a stitched nose, and a hand- knitted sweater.


I keep Teddy with a Polaroid of our early days to remind me of resilience. Teddy still serves his purpose and reminds me that regardless of what the washing machine of life hands me, I can still serve my purpose. Sometimes I just have to repair what may be damaged and remember to be gentle.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I knew "Teddy" would make it to be big leagues one day!!! Loved the story but then I guess I have a "personal" interest in it!!
Love you!
Mom

Unknown said...

Nicole,
Nice work! I so miss in California the forsythia spring bloom from the east coast. I have gone out of my way to travel and see it in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
You have become "beary" wise in your extended youth!
Continued good fortune to you in the "concrete jungle"!
Love & bear hugs,
Gary

Kristin said...

Nicole, what a treasure Teddy is, and how caring of you to see to his longevity. Wish I had my first teddy.. On typing these words an image of his face is coming back to me. Thank you!