Teddy Bear Stories

My dear Soumya,

“Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn around…”

Do you remember this sweet nursery rhyme that I taught you when you were a small kid? I liked that song and enjoyed singing it with you. In fact, I was reliving my childhood with you those days.

 My Mom was my first friend, best friend and forever friend. After Dad’s death, she was both my Dad and Mom. As a teenager, I shared my problems with her. Like a true friend, she always heard me with patience and gave me the best advice. She taught me to get up and move on in life whenever I fall on my knees feeling defeated. She gave me life, confidence, love and courage. Mom guided me when I was at crossroads. Whenever I fell ill, she was always there reading books for me or telling stories till I sleep. Her melodious lullaby is ringing in my ears even now. She was the most inspiring woman in my life. During my school and college days, my Mom always encouraged me to participate in various competitions. She congratulated me and made me feel proud when I brought home prizes and trophies. Gradually winning became a habit of addiction for me. As the saying goes, ‘Mothers hold their children’s hand for a short while but their hearts forever ’, I could still feel her love which wrapped me like a soft embrace.

Teddy bears are cute. You had a collection of teddy bear dolls of various colors and sizes with you. You had called them pet names like ‘Pinky’, ‘Browny’, ‘Meenu’ etc. You loved to play and sleep with them. You were very possessive about them. You didn’t want to share them with your elder brother. But he was interested in dolls of soldiers and vehicles, no?

Daughters have a special bond with their mothers. Even when you were grown up as a teenager, we used to share our happy moments playing with teddy bear dolls, in a small cloth tent in our room. Then one day, you shifted to a college hostel for graduation. Whenever I missed you very much, I used to hug those teddy bear dolls and cry. ‘Pinky’ was our favorite Teddy.

Now you are a happily married woman. You had taken those teddy bears along with your favorite dolls and toys, your prized possession. But Kiddo, you forgot to take your most favorite doll, that is your Mumma…

Always be happy my dear child. God bless you. Don’t worry. We will definitely meet soon and share our nostalgic Teddy Bear stories…

Missing you,

Your loving Mumma.