My love for stuffed toys

Happy New Year To All My Dear Friends

The year has just begun and I received news of 'abandoned pets' this week. Someone has packed 4 cartons full of unwanted stuffed toys for giveaway, simply because her kids no longer want it. I feel sad each time I hear of such stories. Although stuffed toys are not living things, the joy and comfort they bring to stuffed toy lovers can be comparable to that of a real pet.

Do you remember the time when your teddy bear was your confidante, your ever faithful best friend who always listen to you attentively no matter how sleepy he is? How those empathetic eyes look back at you when you were feeling down, telling you 'it's ok, I understand what you're going through'. Not forgetting those times when your teddy looks much bigger to you. But as you grow up, your teddy seems to have become smaller in your big hands.

I always find it very sweet when I see toddlers hugging their beloved stuffed toy. If stuffed toys have emotions, they have must felt like being on top of the world. Unfortunately, most children either chuck aside or give away their childhood stuffed friends when they grow up. Imagine how fearful that teddy must have felt, being stuffed among the shelves in the store room!

Believe it or not, I still have my very first teddy bear with me. It's now a vintage bear, those type with movable limbs and black/brown glass eyes. I also have my bunnies, doggies, duckies, hippo... with me too. Each of them accompanied me at my different stages of life. They have shared my happy as well as sad moments together. If they could talk, they would be able to tell you my life story :)

On and off, I would ponder over the future of my furry friends should I be gone one day. The news I heard this week triggered this thought again. I ever thought of donating my collection to the museum but I'm not sure if they want them. Alternatively, I can open my own stuffed toy museum :D but I'll need sponsors and investors (anyone keen? :P ) I don't think I'll bear to have them accompany me on the way home. It's so cruel to burn them, and I know they won't be with me even if they're burnt.

One way which I thought might be feasible is to will them to people whom I know will take care of them and love them as much as I do. This can also serve as a way for them to remember me. The only issue is, I have too many stuffed toys and not enough friends to adopt them after I'm gone. Hmm... I still don't have the perfect solution. If you have any bright ideas, do share with me :)