My name is Mr. Bear and I have always lived at the local toy store. I've spent many days and nights watching my fellow stuffed friends leave with new families and friends. But I don't mind too much. Quite the opposite. I'm very happy for his friends.
I would one day like to have his own family to live with. A child to protect and to have adventures with. It’s the life dream of every stuffed animal. We only want to be loved by a child. To see the world through their adventures and words.
I am a simple brown teddy bear. Nothing interesting or flashy about me. But I am quite huggable and have a heart of gold. Day after day I sit on a store shelf. Occasionally I am picked up by a guest in the store. But he is always put back. I reminds myself that the right family has simply not found me yet.
The months pass during another year. Its now October the ladies in the toy store say. The decorations have taken on a spookier theme. The pumpkins are out again as are the witches. I always loves this time of year in the store. So many holidays mean more toys to find homes.
On this day, I woke up feeling happier than normal. I'm not quite sure why either. But I continued to hum to myself sitting on his shelf smiling. I noticed a couple of ladies browsing the stuffies section. He quickly fluffed up his fur and sat up straighter.
One of the ladies walked over towards me and was looking at all the fellow bears. Looking back towards the other lady, she asks her thoughts on the bears. It seems they are looking for a friend for their almost 10-year-old daughter. After some more discussion, she reaches for me!
Holding him in her hands, she finds he is soft & huggable. Perfect size for their daughter to hold. There is something about this bear she says to her wife.
After thoroughly checking him out and much discussion, they head to the register with Mr. Bear! His hopes soar! Could this be the day I finally get a family?
At the register, the cashier lady smiles as she rings me up for the nice ladies.
It’s going to be the daughter’s birthday soon. They’ve been wanting to find a teddy bear for her. Every child needs a beloved bear to grow up with. And I, Mr.Bear, am going to be hers! Of course, they don’t know that is his name. But soon the daughter will.
The sweet cashier boxes him up with tissue paper. A big, beautiful bow goes on top of the box. Stuffies get special treatment at this toy store when getting a new home. Smiling, the ladies walk out with their treasured box. Setting it in the car, they close the door and head home. For now, the box is set away in a closet to wait for her birthday.
Two days later
Its birthday day! Tonight, is the party. I have overheard the family talking about it in the house. I am excited too! That means, tonight I will meet her!
I have learned her name is Vera. Today she turns 10-years-old. They are having a celebratory dinner and opening presents. The closet doors open, and his box is being lifted. One of the ladies is moving my box to the dinner table with the rest of the presents.
Seems the birthday dinner is a favorite of the daughter. I overhear them say something about Cheese Manicotti. I don't know what that is, but Vera is thrilled about it. She is also wondering what’s in the box with the big red bow on it.
Finally, dinner is done, and the table is cleared of the dishes. It’s time for cake and presents! Oh boy! Cake or presents first they ask Vera. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she votes presents! I listen to the the crinkle crumple of wrapping paper, the squeal of excitement at discovering what she received. Finally, it’s the box that is left.
Carefully, she removes the bow and lifts the lid. Staring up at her, is the sweetest, brown teddy bear. A huge smile appears on Vera’s face as she reaches to pick me up. As Vera hugs him, I whispers his name to her. Vera states that I'll will be known as Mr. Bear.
And their adventures are set to begin. That night, I takes his place on her bed by the pillows.
