‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real… It takes a long time… Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.’
– The Velveteen Rabbit
FOCUS: 30 Days of Thanks
Today I am thankful for the sentimental things in my life, like ‘Teddy’ and ‘Friend’ who are the longtime companions of my now teenage children. Worn, bedraggled and covered in battle scars, they are the perfect example of how a child’s unconditional love can make something ‘Real’.
Beth Poe :: FreeForm 
Wonderful shot and sentiment. I kept stuff like this too – and now that I’m a grandma – I am so glad I did!! My granddaughter has enjoyed some of the same toys, books etc that my daughters did.
Thanks so much, Nora! My kids still like having these guys around, even if they are ‘tucked away’ somewhere. When I look at them, it reminds me of the movie ‘Toy Story 2’ :-).
That is too cute!
Thanks so much for the feedback! There is something about teddy bears that is so universally adorable isn’t there?