National Teddy Bear Day, September 9, 2024. 310 words

Today we celebrate National Teddy Bear Day. The origins of the teddy bear made national headlines when Theadore Roosevelt refused to shoot a treed black bear while on a hunting trip in Louisiana . A cartoon from 1902’s Washington Post highlighted an interaction between the bear and President Roosevelt. An enterprising toy store put two stuffed bears in the window and labeled them Teddy’s bears with the President’s permission.The toy Teddy bears have been popular for over 120 years.
When My daughter was growing up she preferred stuffed animals instead of dolls. Her favorite was a pink bear from “Vitoria’s Secret.” She named him Joey, after the baby kangaroo character “Roo” in the “Winnie the Pooh” children’s stories by author, A A Milne. The stories and cartoons of the toys of Christopher Robin fascinated and captured the imagination of Ruth’s play.
Ruth took her teddy bear everywhere. Over the years, she collected more stuffed friends, Joey remained her favorite. Recently, I asked if she still had Joey? She brought out a well worn and loved bear. The paws pads and nose was shiny from rubbing of little fingers. The coat was faded to the light pink.
“He is too fragile to keep on the bed, I keep him stored safely .” Ruth loves to go to the store, “Build a Bear.” While Aaron was dating Ruth, They went to the store and made the perfect bear to seal their relationship. Some women love jewelry, but my daughter will take a bear as a loving gesture.
So enjoy this special day. Give the gift of a big bear hug to your love.
***. poem
Joey
Given with love for a baby.
Staying with her through her childhood and teens.
He was her favorite, for hugs and comfort.
To look at him now, he’s well worn
with love.
carolaspot@aol.com copyright 9/9/24