Comments on: Writing Motherhood by Lisa Garrigues: a story of a beloved bear

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:09:40 +0000

Kev, that would be great. I suspect this is not the end of the story. I would love to get a picture of her with those kind folks on the squad.

(and that’s the power of blogging, folks. you never know how a e a post will cross over into real life)

By: kevvan

kevvan — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:41:03 +0000

Monica I was there that fateful day as you’re well aware. All of the memories of the incident came back just a few weeks ago when we went camping up at the Water Gap – By the way we missed you guys.

Concerning the origin of the teddy bear on the ambulance…

A while back I served as chairman of the 10th district of the New Jersey State First Aid Council (the one that Serves Hunterdon County). One of the things that we did while I was involved back then was to bring the Teddy Bear program into the rescue squad organizations in our county. Our ambulances were one of the first ones in the state to adopt the program. I’ve seen her bear and never had an inkling of it’s origin. How’s that for full circle.

I still keep connected with the folks that have taken over the program long after I stepped away from the role. I plan to share the story with them when I get the chance. Thanks for taking the time.

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:30:58 +0000

thanks, Marianne. I forgot how her diaper protected all those delicate parts. She was sitting at the picnic table in one of those attachment type seats and the coffee went all over her belly and thighs. I think the coffee burn injury is a common one.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:00:26 +0000

It’s amazing how children heal so quickly. Thank goodness she didn’t scar.

My son was nearly burned by hot coffee when he was almost three. He was in his booster at the breakfast table and my husband’s thermal cup broke/exploded, spilling the coffee in his lap.

Two things saved him from injury — me, grabbing him up as quickly as I could.

The other — the Pull Up he was wearing.

In that moment, all the misfires we endured trying to potty-training him started looking like part of His bigger Plan.

Great post, btw.

By: Vanessa Druckman

Vanessa Druckman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:21:41 +0000

Monica, what an amazing story. I remember when my son at 18 months had an operation and I soothed him in the recovery room with one of his special cloths fresh from the dryer. I loved all the images of the brothers playing steal the bear and the bear lying amongst the legos and the my little ponies. Vanessa Druckmans last blog post..Writing Motherhood Giveaway & Book Club

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:12:46 +0000

Sure, Jen – no… I’m going to start calling you Snap. Tell us the story and drop a link, or I can do it on the No Frills Blog Round up on Sat.

By: Jennifer, Snapshot

Jennifer, Snapshot — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:04:42 +0000

What a wonderful story–telling us about the bear and telling us about why the bear is so important.

I have similar feels about Blankie–4 year old Kyle’s lovey that has recently become personified. Maybe I’ll write about it and link up.

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:06:41 +0000

yeah, how about this entire BLOG. ha ha. thanks for popping over here, Lisa.

By: Lisa Garrigues

Lisa Garrigues — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:58:19 +0000

Hi, Monica, this is Lisa Garrigues, author of Writing Motherhood. Your post seems to come directly out of one of the chapters in my book, an invitation to write a “toy story.” You do a great job of showing the way the tangible things in our life carry intangible meanings and associations. You might consider saving this piece to give to your daughter one day. All best, Lisa

By: feener

feener — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:53:40 +0000

wow. so glad she is ok, what a reminder that bear must be !

feeners last blog post..Writing Motherhood – Moments

By: Monica Brand

Monica Brand — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:28:55 +0000

I know! If anything were to happen to Teddy… I try to never let it leave the house because I’m convinced we’d lose it. One time we did forget him, with all our swim gear, at the Y. I was more upset than her.

By: Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)

Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:59:56 +0000

What an amazing story of how a lovey came to be loved. I’m so sorry that your family had to go through that horror of the burns… but how wonderful that everything turned out well.

My girls have not yet attached to any toys. I offered Julia (now 3) many different stuffed animals and toys for her to love, but she never attached to any particular one.

Part of me is relieved that she doesn’t have one lovey b/c I’m so scared that if she had one and lost it… oh no the horror.

Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..Please Don’t Tease My Baby!

By: Beck

Beck — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:03:08 +0000

This made my heart hurt – but how lovily that the bear has become such a comforting thing for her with no shadows in her life.

Becks last blog post..The Day After Father’s Day