I have to say that National Teddy Bear Day is one of my favorite random holidays. I know my life is better in many ways because of my faithful teddy bears who supported me throughout my youth.
I got my first teddy bear at age two, and he was bigger than me. At first, I was afraid of this large creature. But when my aunt suggested that the monsters under the bed might be afraid of him, too, I realized that we should be friends so he could keep me safe.
While Buttercup was my first teddy bear and true love, I collected many over the years. I had a Santa Bear, and I had a panda bear. I even got myself a bear after a particularly rough breakup in my late teens. No matter what was going on, I had a bear helping me through it.
As an adult, many of my bears were donated to local charities or relegated to the guest room or a storage Tupperware. We all know teddy bears on your bed won’t help you get a date. But I sometimes found that I missed my fuzzy friends.
But with the birth of my children, I found a reason to bring them back out of storage. My bears have been dusted off and are now protecting my children.
And that is the beauty of a lovey like a teddy bear. They can help you survive life’s ups and downs. A good bear snuggle will dry away your tears and help you sleep through the night. Your bear can join you in your backpack to school when you have to leave your parents behind. You can tell them your secrets, and they always are great listeners. Honestly, teddy bears are the best.
