When I was little, I used to sit on top of the washing machine while Teddy was “taking a bath.” I’d move over to the dryer at the same time he did and I would sit on top until Teddy landed safely back in my arms, warm, smelling like fabric softener, and looking perky again. My mom used to ask me if I was still going to sleep with Teddy even when I was married, subtly mocking me for being so attached to my little stuffed friend.
Today is Teddy’s 27th birthday and he’s been with me since the very beginning. He now sits on my dresser with his other stuffed friends keeping me company and subtly reminding me how attached I am to all of them. He reminds me of the simple things that can make a person happy. My whole world used to revolve around him, my poor parents traveling in zigzags if I ever forgot him somewhere.
Today, on Teddy’s 27th birthday, it’s clear to me that though he brought so much comfort, so much happiness, and so much magic to my life as a kid and even as an adult (Teddy was even at my wedding! Crazy, right? My sister smuggled him in as part of her toast.), it wasn’t only him. It’s now clear that my parents were behind all of it. They, in fact, are the ones who have actually given me the comfort, the happiness, and the magic that everyone deserves in life. And I treasure all of that because they have made me the person I am today. And I couldn’t be happier to be celebrating another year of life with Teddy and thinking about all of the magic and happiness that still lies ahead. So, Mom and Dad, thank you for taking care of us for the last 27 years. We love you guys!
