Yesterday evening, because I would not be home until late, I thought I would put a cuddly toy in our bed to keep Hubby company when he turned in for the night.
With several to choose from, I decided against the cuddly seal, funky chicken and furry rabbit and instead opted for 'Teddy'. A one time fluffy white bear given to me when I was 4yrs old.
In fairness, 'Teddy' is past his best. He's not really looked the same since I washed him in the machine and managed to singe his face whilst drying him a little too close to the fire circa 1977.
The modifications to his appearance continued around the same time when I performed some plastic surgery and gave him newly sewn eyes and a very low red mouth. Mouth? It's more like a tracheotomy!
Anyway, when I returned home last night, Teddy had moved onto my side of the bed so I thought I'd give him what turned out to be an 'instantly familiar' cuddle, (don't worry I cuddled Hubby first!).
The moment I squeezed Teddy close to me I was reminded of ALL the occasions when I had sought comfort from him, played 'schools' with him, used him as a puppet in shows that used the back of the sofa as a stage, and packed in my suitcase when threatening to leave home...
Slowly, whilst lying there in the dark it dawned on me that that 'Teddy' is currently 39yrs old! And then came the realisation that he's almost as old as me. Now that WAS a shock.
I've always been quite sentimental and whilst (apart from memories) I only have very few 'treasures' left from my childhood: an awful ornament my mother bought for me when I passed my first music exam, a set of 'Milly Molly Mandy' books that I enjoyed as a child and my first piece of 'real' jewellery (a tiny gold locket given to me by my Grandparents) 'Teddy' was able to transform me back to the days when life was much less complicated and full of potential.
As I lay there in the dark I started to wonder whether my experience of this 'time machine' effect was unique or whether others had their own 'Teddy' moments?
If you have a similar story, or the above resonates in some way with memories from your childhood. I'd love to hear from you.
In the meantime, try not to lose sight of the years that made us what we are and the experiences that shaped our personalities. Be grateful for those safe moments with your 'Teddy' and finally, spare a thought for how he might be feeling.
After all, he's almost your age...
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