This story just brought tears to my eyes. I had two childhood lovies: the first was a black and white teddy bear that I first laid eyes on at my Aunt Mary's house. He was on her bed and I was drawn to him. I named him Timmy. Aunt Mary let me take him home and I slept with him every night. He wasn't a fat cuddly bear; he was more flat. I don't know whatever happened to him. Then along came a brown stuffed monkey when I was a young teen. I found her in a gift shop and named her Selah. I brought her everywhere with me, even overnights at my aunt and uncle's house. When I got married, everyone teased me if I was still going to sleep with Selah. I packed her away in a box and over the years, I must've donated her along with other items I didn't use anymore. A few months ago, my friend in England mailed me a package of a few items. One was a small stuffed bear wearing a Cornwall shirt. I discovered he's super soft and cuddly. I named him Humphrey. I tried sleeping with him one night (and yes, I'm still married!) and realized I had a very sound sound sleep. I've been sleeping with him every night since then. He somehow brings me comfort and I sleep easier. Who would've thunk? I felt embarrassed as a 62-year old woman sleeping with a stuffed animal, but after reading your article, I don't feel alone anymore. Maybe it's more common than we realize. ❤️
I love this, Melanie. I had a Teddy, and he stayed with me all through college. I still have him, but I suppose I stopped sleeping with him when I got married. I'm so glad you've got both your husband and Humphrey!
Melanie, thank you so much for sharing your reflections and memories. Your pals, Timmy, Selah, and Humphrey (great names, by the way!) have surely been part of your life at just the right times. I am beyond honored to know that somehow this piece brought you a bit of connection and a way of seeing your desire to cuddle a furry friend as the gift that it truly is. Do yourself the favor of an online search for "adults who still love their childhood toys" or something in that family of words. You'll be amazed and thrilled to learn how many people are just like you! Happiest of holidays to you, your spouse, and your Humphrey.
Absolutely beautiful story..... I can picture everything you described and I totally understand the attachment to special friends along the years ( two special daughters)..... I believe in the midst of your writing you talked about we all had our favorite toys and things.... That made me think I wish I had my original toys and things.... my Dick Tracy wrist radio..... My original Red Ryder BB gun.... tons of beautiful marbles... Baseball and basketball cards worth nothing then....worth a lot now... And my CB radio set up in my bedroom where I could talk to friends all over the world and pretend I was whomever I wanted to be.... They were so special then but I could really use the extra bucks they would bring me if I had them now...🤣 Love you and Merry Christmas...
It's interesting, Barry. Brother Don reached out today to admit that he doesn't remember having any particularly favorite cuddly toy, and I think it's because he was more attracted to "activity toys." Your list sounds like it might lean that way, too. I can imagine you having an absolute blast with your CB radio! You're right, a few of those would bring in more money now than we ever thought possible. Too bad most of us don't hang on to them long enough to get there.
Happiest, merriest, and brightest to you, dear one.
This is so beautiful and touching and moving. Thank you for writing it such that it would find its way to me. I have all my tender softies like this. I still surround myself with 'adult versions like precious ceramics. But those soft friends are still around and about, in private places and near my bed. I was fascinated to read that research on how it's less common for co-sleepers. It makes so much sense. My attachment is very much distributed through my earliest objects of comfort and my people. I feel no shame in that. Anyway, thank you. Such a gift to take into thr holidays xx
Oh, Ruth, thank you. I love that I'm finding affinity in your collections of soft and precious keepsakes. I'm so that person! Isn't that research just amazing?
Good for you for embracing this very natural way of expressing love. I say we normalize our way of thinking on this! Wishing you an abundance of joy this season, and many happy cuddles.
I can hardly believe it, Ann. Such a well-crafted scheme, and so multi-faceted. We are thrilled, of course. Wishing you and yours so much joy this season.
I LOVE the ending to this story! It's like a Christmas movie, in all the best ways. Wishing all of you a happy, happy holiday together.
But, I loved this whole thing. My grown girl always travels with her Ellie, who I've come to refer to as my grandelephant. Ellie came to her early in her relationship with her now-husband, when they had to navigate so much time spent apart. Ellie was her only real constant for years. During the time she was living here, waiting for her visa to live there to be approved, I came to realize that Ellie sometimes could express for her what she could not. And I swear, when they both left to start their new life in a new country, I missed that stuffie, too. A lot. I'm looking forward to seeing all three of them in just a few days.
Also, I am so sorry you lost your pillow! In another case of strange commonality, just last weekend I lost a whole suitcase. It was only packed for a weekend trip, but I was amazed at the impact of the loss. So many favorite and necessary things: gone. Because of that experience, I can imagine how much worse it would be, to lose a bag at the end of a long trip, and to have lost your comfort object, too! We humans do get attached to our things.
Crazy-happy ending, right? It's rare for me to run out of words, but last night I was as close to speechless as I've ever been. ☺️
Your daughter's Ellie sounds like a wonderful friend, and a great representation of what she had to endure to finally be in the full company of her love. I can totally understand missing them both!
I'll admit to being sentimental about many things (I'm sure that's obvious from what gets written here), but losing that pillow was a blow. I'm so sorry for the hassle of your lost suitcase. Super frustrating!
Thank you for joining in today, Rita, and a big welcome home to your family, Ellie included.
You just reminded me I have a sheep-shaped draught-stopper called Lambie and a sheep-shaped door stop called Sean (shorn). I still hug Lambie every time I pick her up to open that door!!
Stewart, we've had *plenty* of less creatively named beings in our household. This daughter has always been especially good at coming up with original ideas. Maybe the holidays will inspire bringing Lambie out of hiding. And I'm going to imagine that Panda is still with your sister somehow, too.
Well… you made me cry…again. I was blindsided by your daughter showing up at your door. It is such a sweet story. Two things come to mind for me. The first is that just after my wife and I were married, we moved to Vienna, Austria for six years. Being away from our families made us sad, especially around holidays.. I know our parents were sad too. I wouldn’t trade the time in Austria for anything, but I was feeling your pain about missing your daughter. Second, our youngest granddaughter always sends “horsey“ with us when we travel anywhere. We have photos and videos of horsey, enjoying the trips. It excites our granddaughter to see the pictures and videos, and because we often ask fellow travelers to help us with the videos, we meet some really kind people. And that is good Christmas spirit year-round.
Darrell, this comment is rich with wonder and delight. Thank you for sharing in our joy. I can absolutely say I was gobsmacked when that evening knock on the door turned out the way it did. I've always offered big gratitude for modern technologies that keep us as connected as we are despite the miles. But it's not the same as being together!
The story of your granddaughter's horsey is truly precious. I'm so glad you mentioned it here. I'll consider myself even luckier if I get to do something similar some day. That's exactly the spirit we need to cultivate, so hurrah that you're doing just that. Wishing you and yours well.
Such a charming story and even more heartwarming, somehow, that the beloved happens to be a fluffy rodent! (And also as an aside, what a beautiful child).
My Edward-Bear is still with me, he is a balding, old school Teddy with those orangey glass eyes and he is stuffed with actual straw. He was a gift from my British grandmother and although he was supposed to growl, he only did so once. His waist is spectacularly nipped in from being carried about and held tightly at night. I have no intention of getting rid of him, ever, although he mostly resides in a closet now, sitting beside the unwanted teddy of my ex-husband.
I suspect he ('Snowy') much prefers living here with us anyway as we are much more fun.
Gosh, Sue, there's so much here. First, thank you for the sweet compliment. Yes, that she attached herself to a rat is a lesson of its own. She's our big-love kiddo, the one who manages to feel compassion for just about everything, even (especially?) the cast offs.
Your Edward Bear must be a stately treasure. Any idea who made him? He sounds a bit like a Steiff. I laughed out loud at the bit about your ex-husband's teddy. Of course you're more fun, and besides, he has a companion in Eddie.
Maybe the two of them should come out of the closet for the holidays. :)
He's one well-traveled rat! Meanwhile, I'm still marveling at you and your scheme. Thanks for inspiring today's story. And how amazing that, except for the ending, it was the story I was writing anyway. Life is amazing.
What a wonderful surprise! I love that you all will be together. Tell Dodgie he's not old, his matted fur is indicative of his maturity....
So sad about the pillow. The money and cards and stuff are a hassle but the sentimental bits are irreplaceable. I'm glad you shared all of it with us. ♥️
Oh, Eileen, thank you for seeing Dodgie for the fine gentleman he truly is. And thanks for joining in today. You always add delight to the conversation.
My heart is FILLED with joy for you and Jim. Childless, I still get it all as my favorite trick was showing up for holidays with my family from the other side of the planet or the country, which can be just as big. Good on all of you. Treasure the time. J
How fun to know you were often the unexpected happy arrival for your family, too, Janice. That must have been so delightful for you and everyone! We are already deep into the treasuring here. Thank you.
Moosies! What a delightful keepsake. And Kermit sounds like a less mischievous Elf on a Shelf. I know you'll be glad to set him out when Steadfast is back together again.
What a wonderful surprise! You must be over the moon having everyone home. I love this story about Dodgie — and he looks like he has withstood the passage of time admirably, really. There’s a beautiful book of photos of well-loved stuffed things that always comes to mind with stories like this. I always worried that my kids didn’t have attachment objects… we tried and tried to find something they would latch onto this way. I love the story about your pillow - not that it was stolen, but that it held so much.
Only one of our two really had this kind of attachment, Amy, and I don't know that either of my brothers had anything like my pillow. I suppose it's as much about the child as it is about the object. Thank you for sharing in our joy. Yes, we are thrilled, and also very, very fortunate that we even have this opportunity. May the light continue to infuse color into your kitchen this season... Thank you for joining me here today.
I loved reading this so much and am so happy that Rachel is home. I can feel the happiness and love!! I am sending this to Emily and Kaitlyn whose boys (like them) have special lovies. They will also relate to how Rachel surprised you. That is definitely something they would do. Thank you for yet another wonderful read that made me cry and smile. Love you.
Oh...! I hope to hear the story of their special pals someday. Thank you for sharing in our delight, Susanne. May the days ahead bring you even more joy.
This story just brought tears to my eyes. I had two childhood lovies: the first was a black and white teddy bear that I first laid eyes on at my Aunt Mary's house. He was on her bed and I was drawn to him. I named him Timmy. Aunt Mary let me take him home and I slept with him every night. He wasn't a fat cuddly bear; he was more flat. I don't know whatever happened to him. Then along came a brown stuffed monkey when I was a young teen. I found her in a gift shop and named her Selah. I brought her everywhere with me, even overnights at my aunt and uncle's house. When I got married, everyone teased me if I was still going to sleep with Selah. I packed her away in a box and over the years, I must've donated her along with other items I didn't use anymore. A few months ago, my friend in England mailed me a package of a few items. One was a small stuffed bear wearing a Cornwall shirt. I discovered he's super soft and cuddly. I named him Humphrey. I tried sleeping with him one night (and yes, I'm still married!) and realized I had a very sound sound sleep. I've been sleeping with him every night since then. He somehow brings me comfort and I sleep easier. Who would've thunk? I felt embarrassed as a 62-year old woman sleeping with a stuffed animal, but after reading your article, I don't feel alone anymore. Maybe it's more common than we realize. ❤️
I love this, Melanie. I had a Teddy, and he stayed with me all through college. I still have him, but I suppose I stopped sleeping with him when I got married. I'm so glad you've got both your husband and Humphrey!
Melanie, thank you so much for sharing your reflections and memories. Your pals, Timmy, Selah, and Humphrey (great names, by the way!) have surely been part of your life at just the right times. I am beyond honored to know that somehow this piece brought you a bit of connection and a way of seeing your desire to cuddle a furry friend as the gift that it truly is. Do yourself the favor of an online search for "adults who still love their childhood toys" or something in that family of words. You'll be amazed and thrilled to learn how many people are just like you! Happiest of holidays to you, your spouse, and your Humphrey.
Absolutely beautiful story..... I can picture everything you described and I totally understand the attachment to special friends along the years ( two special daughters)..... I believe in the midst of your writing you talked about we all had our favorite toys and things.... That made me think I wish I had my original toys and things.... my Dick Tracy wrist radio..... My original Red Ryder BB gun.... tons of beautiful marbles... Baseball and basketball cards worth nothing then....worth a lot now... And my CB radio set up in my bedroom where I could talk to friends all over the world and pretend I was whomever I wanted to be.... They were so special then but I could really use the extra bucks they would bring me if I had them now...🤣 Love you and Merry Christmas...
It's interesting, Barry. Brother Don reached out today to admit that he doesn't remember having any particularly favorite cuddly toy, and I think it's because he was more attracted to "activity toys." Your list sounds like it might lean that way, too. I can imagine you having an absolute blast with your CB radio! You're right, a few of those would bring in more money now than we ever thought possible. Too bad most of us don't hang on to them long enough to get there.
Happiest, merriest, and brightest to you, dear one.
This is so beautiful and touching and moving. Thank you for writing it such that it would find its way to me. I have all my tender softies like this. I still surround myself with 'adult versions like precious ceramics. But those soft friends are still around and about, in private places and near my bed. I was fascinated to read that research on how it's less common for co-sleepers. It makes so much sense. My attachment is very much distributed through my earliest objects of comfort and my people. I feel no shame in that. Anyway, thank you. Such a gift to take into thr holidays xx
Oh, Ruth, thank you. I love that I'm finding affinity in your collections of soft and precious keepsakes. I'm so that person! Isn't that research just amazing?
Good for you for embracing this very natural way of expressing love. I say we normalize our way of thinking on this! Wishing you an abundance of joy this season, and many happy cuddles.
What a marvelous happening! The holidays will be extraordinary for you five! I am happy for the whole family and congratulate Rachel on her ruse.
I can hardly believe it, Ann. Such a well-crafted scheme, and so multi-faceted. We are thrilled, of course. Wishing you and yours so much joy this season.
I LOVE the ending to this story! It's like a Christmas movie, in all the best ways. Wishing all of you a happy, happy holiday together.
But, I loved this whole thing. My grown girl always travels with her Ellie, who I've come to refer to as my grandelephant. Ellie came to her early in her relationship with her now-husband, when they had to navigate so much time spent apart. Ellie was her only real constant for years. During the time she was living here, waiting for her visa to live there to be approved, I came to realize that Ellie sometimes could express for her what she could not. And I swear, when they both left to start their new life in a new country, I missed that stuffie, too. A lot. I'm looking forward to seeing all three of them in just a few days.
Also, I am so sorry you lost your pillow! In another case of strange commonality, just last weekend I lost a whole suitcase. It was only packed for a weekend trip, but I was amazed at the impact of the loss. So many favorite and necessary things: gone. Because of that experience, I can imagine how much worse it would be, to lose a bag at the end of a long trip, and to have lost your comfort object, too! We humans do get attached to our things.
Crazy-happy ending, right? It's rare for me to run out of words, but last night I was as close to speechless as I've ever been. ☺️
Your daughter's Ellie sounds like a wonderful friend, and a great representation of what she had to endure to finally be in the full company of her love. I can totally understand missing them both!
I'll admit to being sentimental about many things (I'm sure that's obvious from what gets written here), but losing that pillow was a blow. I'm so sorry for the hassle of your lost suitcase. Super frustrating!
Thank you for joining in today, Rita, and a big welcome home to your family, Ellie included.
My daughter still loves Lambie (the lamb), though probably can't say where it is.
Sometimes just knowing the object is there, somewhere, is enough.
I guess the family isn't into creative naming like some of the examples here.
My dear departed sister left Panda (the panda) sitting in her Winslow rocker.
Happy holidays, Elizabeth
You just reminded me I have a sheep-shaped draught-stopper called Lambie and a sheep-shaped door stop called Sean (shorn). I still hug Lambie every time I pick her up to open that door!!
"I still hug Lambie every time I pick her up..." This is the sweetest thing, Beth. Thank you for leaving this gem here today.
Stewart, we've had *plenty* of less creatively named beings in our household. This daughter has always been especially good at coming up with original ideas. Maybe the holidays will inspire bringing Lambie out of hiding. And I'm going to imagine that Panda is still with your sister somehow, too.
Joy to your world and beyond!
Well… you made me cry…again. I was blindsided by your daughter showing up at your door. It is such a sweet story. Two things come to mind for me. The first is that just after my wife and I were married, we moved to Vienna, Austria for six years. Being away from our families made us sad, especially around holidays.. I know our parents were sad too. I wouldn’t trade the time in Austria for anything, but I was feeling your pain about missing your daughter. Second, our youngest granddaughter always sends “horsey“ with us when we travel anywhere. We have photos and videos of horsey, enjoying the trips. It excites our granddaughter to see the pictures and videos, and because we often ask fellow travelers to help us with the videos, we meet some really kind people. And that is good Christmas spirit year-round.
Darrell, this comment is rich with wonder and delight. Thank you for sharing in our joy. I can absolutely say I was gobsmacked when that evening knock on the door turned out the way it did. I've always offered big gratitude for modern technologies that keep us as connected as we are despite the miles. But it's not the same as being together!
The story of your granddaughter's horsey is truly precious. I'm so glad you mentioned it here. I'll consider myself even luckier if I get to do something similar some day. That's exactly the spirit we need to cultivate, so hurrah that you're doing just that. Wishing you and yours well.
What a wonderful surprise! Both of your living and breathing “lovies” are with you!
Exactly, Suzanne. Never going to forget this particular gift. Thank you for being happy for us. Sending light-bright wishes your way.
Such a charming story and even more heartwarming, somehow, that the beloved happens to be a fluffy rodent! (And also as an aside, what a beautiful child).
My Edward-Bear is still with me, he is a balding, old school Teddy with those orangey glass eyes and he is stuffed with actual straw. He was a gift from my British grandmother and although he was supposed to growl, he only did so once. His waist is spectacularly nipped in from being carried about and held tightly at night. I have no intention of getting rid of him, ever, although he mostly resides in a closet now, sitting beside the unwanted teddy of my ex-husband.
I suspect he ('Snowy') much prefers living here with us anyway as we are much more fun.
Thanks for a great piece of writing today xo
Gosh, Sue, there's so much here. First, thank you for the sweet compliment. Yes, that she attached herself to a rat is a lesson of its own. She's our big-love kiddo, the one who manages to feel compassion for just about everything, even (especially?) the cast offs.
Your Edward Bear must be a stately treasure. Any idea who made him? He sounds a bit like a Steiff. I laughed out loud at the bit about your ex-husband's teddy. Of course you're more fun, and besides, he has a companion in Eddie.
Maybe the two of them should come out of the closet for the holidays. :)
I appreciate you, Sue. Merry and bright to you!
So happy for you, Elizabeth! What a nice Christmas you’re going to have. 🩷🩷🩷
Ah...I'm still pinching myself. Thank you, Don. My best to you and yours.
He’s been a true friend over the years. The most special of companions. Happy he could join me for my surprise and be here for all the holiday joy! 💕
He's one well-traveled rat! Meanwhile, I'm still marveling at you and your scheme. Thanks for inspiring today's story. And how amazing that, except for the ending, it was the story I was writing anyway. Life is amazing.
What a wonderful surprise! I love that you all will be together. Tell Dodgie he's not old, his matted fur is indicative of his maturity....
So sad about the pillow. The money and cards and stuff are a hassle but the sentimental bits are irreplaceable. I'm glad you shared all of it with us. ♥️
Oh, Eileen, thank you for seeing Dodgie for the fine gentleman he truly is. And thanks for joining in today. You always add delight to the conversation.
My heart is FILLED with joy for you and Jim. Childless, I still get it all as my favorite trick was showing up for holidays with my family from the other side of the planet or the country, which can be just as big. Good on all of you. Treasure the time. J
How fun to know you were often the unexpected happy arrival for your family, too, Janice. That must have been so delightful for you and everyone! We are already deep into the treasuring here. Thank you.
My brother and I both have stuffed Moose, these adorable collectibles from my Mom. They adorn our world and our vehicles 22 years after we lost her.
Steve has a Kermit that I'd always perched somewhere visible on Steadfast. And other toys. They bring nostalgia, love and joy.
Happy 2025, already.
J
Moosies! What a delightful keepsake. And Kermit sounds like a less mischievous Elf on a Shelf. I know you'll be glad to set him out when Steadfast is back together again.
What a wonderful surprise! You must be over the moon having everyone home. I love this story about Dodgie — and he looks like he has withstood the passage of time admirably, really. There’s a beautiful book of photos of well-loved stuffed things that always comes to mind with stories like this. I always worried that my kids didn’t have attachment objects… we tried and tried to find something they would latch onto this way. I love the story about your pillow - not that it was stolen, but that it held so much.
Only one of our two really had this kind of attachment, Amy, and I don't know that either of my brothers had anything like my pillow. I suppose it's as much about the child as it is about the object. Thank you for sharing in our joy. Yes, we are thrilled, and also very, very fortunate that we even have this opportunity. May the light continue to infuse color into your kitchen this season... Thank you for joining me here today.
I loved reading this so much and am so happy that Rachel is home. I can feel the happiness and love!! I am sending this to Emily and Kaitlyn whose boys (like them) have special lovies. They will also relate to how Rachel surprised you. That is definitely something they would do. Thank you for yet another wonderful read that made me cry and smile. Love you.
Oh...! I hope to hear the story of their special pals someday. Thank you for sharing in our delight, Susanne. May the days ahead bring you even more joy.