"Bet she'd love a doll." Sean smiled with satisfaction. Girls and dolls and tea parties - boys and cowboys and Indians - that's how it was when I grew up. "A little tacker like her, she'd love it. All pink and pretty and frilly. She can practice being a little mother."

Maryanne shook her head and groaned. "Oh p-l-e-a-s-e... step out into the real world, won't you?" And when Sean raised his eyebrows in surprise at her tone, she said, "Duh... News Flash! EVERY little girl isn't a 'dolly-bird' you know. Do I really need to remind you about me and Ted Bear?"

Sean had the grace to blush. How could he have forgotten? The evidence sat on the other side of the room in a small wicker chair. Did I imagine a glint of contempt in those shining eyes? Sean rubbed his eyes. No... had to be imagination.

Ted Bear Esq. - Maryanne's oldest friend. How many times had he heard her say they had met and fallen in love - when she was two and he was new? How many tears and secrets would she say they'd shared? Ridiculous to feel jealous of a bear - AND his leading role in the life of the woman Sean had loved for so long. He certainly felt something when Maryanne took her Ted Bear into her arms and cuddled him like a baby. A strange wave of feeling - almost resentment - came rolling unbidden through his being. And yet, seeing her love of Ted always made their own love seem more special somehow, and brought on another wave... of tenderness this time. His eyes softened.

"I'll show you something special I read about teddy bears. Hang on a minute, I'll just get it." And in a sudden flurry of movement, Maryanne was gone and he could hear her rustling in a cupboard in the next room. When she returned, she was waving a piece of paper with a picture of a cute teddy in a numbered uniform, resting one paw on a soccer ball. His little mouth lifted happily at each end as though he could hardly contain his joy at something - maybe everything that Life offered him.

"I don't know where I found this. I've had it for ages. I remember I had to copy it because it's just like it was written for Ted and me," Maryanne said as she settled back comfortably in her chair. "I'll read you the story," and as Sean did a theatrical roll of his eyes, she added, "It's not long. Just a couple of minutes... but I love the thoughts." And then it was her turn to roll her eyes. "If I leave it to you, you'll miss all the feeling... you know you will." And Maryanne tried unsuccessfully to frown as she grinned at Sean, who was nodding his head in wry agreement. "It's called - LOVE IS A WARM BEAR HUG - and it goes like this..." and she started reading.

* * * * * *

Of course, a hug from a human is special. When you're hurting in any way, and your Mum hugs you, it's especially kind and comforting, and makes you feel heaps better. And you can cry when it's your Mum holding you. Other times, when things are really bad, you sometimes need Dad's hug - it's kind of strong and comforting at the same time, and makes you get braver. (It's still OK to cry, but somehow you seem to try harder to hold back the 'waterworks' when you're with Dad). No matter who is hugging you - a human hug is one of the best ways you will ever find to give and receive love.

A teddy bear doesn't hug in quite the same way. It's true! His arms have to be placed on each side of your neck and he's not too good at 'squeezing'. He can't whisper sweet and loving words and tickle your ear with his tender breath. And he can't pick you up and sit you on his lap. No - it must be the other way around - you must do the picking up and you must provide the lap.

But that's all good - because Ted is designed to receive whatever you want to give him. He hopes, with all his heart, for loving things like hugs and kisses - and a gentle scratch behind his ears is SO-O-O good. And he particularly loves to be cuddled and kissed and stroked before sleep (or any time of the day or night). He's SO warm and soft that sometimes he ends up being your pillow! Have you noticed that? Any excuse for a snuggle!

You can always trust him to be on your side, even when everyone else thinks you're wrong. And he never ever gets cross with you, or turns away from you, or tells you he's too tired, or too busy and to come back later. Ted never fails to listen most carefully, never interrupts, and you can nod his head so he always agrees with everything you say.

Ted can soak up a million tears - both happy and sad kinds - and keep your deepest and darkest secrets forever, if necessary. He'll never tell, no matter what he's threatened with. There is no end to his courage and his brave acceptance of whatever life and you offer him.

As you grow up, all kinds of love will happen and sometimes grow... and sometimes not. But the love between a teddy bear and his person should never falter, never lessen, never cease - as long as you both live. Never forget that he wears his old age proudly - even when he's missing some bits, and has a few mended edges - maybe a little stuffing showing - and quite likely some quite bald patches, here and there.

These are his badges of honour. These tell the world that he has been most especially beloved, and possibly hugged half to death. One deep look into his big kind eyes and you just know how much he loves you right back - always and ever.

* * * * * *

"There!" Maryanne said with a smug smile and several nods of her head. "That's exactly how it is for Ted and me." She looked again at her copy of the loving words and discovered an extra line in smaller print she'd nearly missed - © 2011 - Christine Larsen.

Sean smiled fondly. This Christine Larsen person had gotten it SO right about Maryanne and her beloved Ted Bear. Must have had a special Ted of her own, surely?

Author's Afterword:

I'm proud to tell you that this short story I called 'Love is a Warm Bear Hug' was actually published on a website called literature4kids, sadly no longer operating...

And yes, I do have a special Ted of my own, who is now over 70 years old! That's him above - my 'Golden Oldie' having a relax with his favourite thing (after me) - BOOKS!