What was your favorite childhood stuffed animal or toy? Do you still have it? Okay, admit it, do you still sleep with it sometimes? – Kassie
One of my sweet aunts bought me a huge fuzzy bear when I was around five years old. It was an American black bear and large enough that I could curl up with him and his paws wrapped around my shoulders.
I slept with this bear all the way through high school. I cried all over him, punched him when angry, threw him across the room, and generally told him every secret I ever had. The threads that held his nose on started scattering and he began looking a tad bit freaky. I didn’t know how to sew so I would push his nose back into the stuffing and keep practicing my make out skills.
Eventually, when I found real live people to make out with and I started sharing my heart with those who could respond, my sweet bear went the way of the garbage.
I hate myself a little because I threw him away. I have these moments where I brashly decide to get rid of things that have sentimental value. It feels brave and grown up and then I wake the next morning feeling fussy. I’m getting better about it.