Eliza... the not so "inanimate" Teddy...

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There are just days when a girl (even the woman kind) needs her mother, her gentle and comforting words, the little reminders of just how far you have come, how much further you will still go and her warm embrace in which you can simply let go. We all inevitably reach the point in our lives when either one or both of our parents are no longer around to give us what we seek. There is something incredibly special about the protective love of a parent and today I was ever thankful that I still have my dad.

Demonstrative emotion is probably not a strong suit for anyone in my family – the brave face always comes first, shake it off and keep on moving is generally the order of the day, but not today. Today my dad saw that I needed him. I needed to be held. To be told that it will all be ok and that no matter what… I have him. And so he did. Those moments count for more than any one of us could ever imagine and today it meant the world to me to have him not only as a shoulder but also a sounding board.

Admittedly, there were moments... as the hours of today passed when I have wished I could have offloaded on my mom. Moms are just designed and built for that… am I right?! Well, mine was at any rate. I missed her a lot today… but I found a small amount of solace in a little inanimate object, but definitely not a meaningless one and without question filled with my mother’s life.

Meet Eliza - the not so "inanimate" Teddy...

I bought her for my mom when I was probably around 19 years of age. I chose her for many reasons. My mom always had a great appreciation for belongings of class as well for anything which momentarily transported her to “yesteryear” - a bygone era where there was simply more value and depth afforded to... well, pretty much everything. Also, what woman doesn’t have a soft spot for a teddy bear! – and last but definitely not least, they shared the same name… My mom’s name was Elizabeth Anne. Eliza is no ordinary teddy bear though… She is a RUSS teddy Bear and as sad as it is that the company is no longer trading due to the world economic downturn, they were a collector’s favourite back in the day and many of their teddies are still bought and sold online.

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I did not earn much at the time I bought this teddy and recall that it swallowed a fair amount of my pay for that month, but looking back – it was absolutely worth every single cent. My mom slept with Eliza in her arms every single night from the day she received her. If she slept out anywhere – Eliza went with and she was right at her side as my mom departed this world, hence I say… an inanimate object, perhaps… but filled with the life of my mom. Eliza probably knows more about my mom’s personal life moments than any one of her own children ever will.

Knowing now that my mom pretty much hid her Cancer from all of us for years, I can only imagine how many lonely moments Eliza was privy to, when my mom too wished she had a shoulder, warm embrace or comforting word. It made me incredibly sad to look at her never washed and somewhat worn out little physique whilst contemplating all of this... but on the flip side of that coin – I know how much she meant to my mother and that her embrace would have been, if nothing else – symbolic and comforting during those moments.

Jude, despite being eleven… still very much loves his ”teddy” which granny gave him and still sleeps with every night…. And now, Eliza has joined that party – although I have noticed that she does not join him and Teddy (Yes, Teddy's name is Teddy) in the bed, but is propped up on the bedside table right next to him. I suppose in his own little way, he is “preserving” the presence of his granny – a form of respect.

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Looking at Eliza today, sitting on the bedside table – I recalled a poem, or quote if you will... which my mom loved dearly and referred to often. I suppose it probably reflected her own emotions and thoughts about life and where she found herself…

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I compared it with what I have been through, where I stood – currently stand and then found that it gave me the courage and bravery to continue on to where I am headed, regardless of the waves and mountains I may meet along the way. Life can deal some really tough blows, but as each one hits I am of the opinion that if we brave it through to the other side… we are always not only better for it, but stronger too.

❤❤❤

Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea

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13 comments
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This is such a beautiful post, and it is wonderful that Eliza is still cherished. I still sleep with a teddy bear, too, so I can really appreciate this topic! 💜

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Thanks @thekittygirl :) and yeah, Eliza definitely is cherished! I don't sleep with a "teddy" per say... but I think the dog may count :D

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That was a wonderful and touching story. I hate to leave a comment that short, so I'll add this sentence, but I really have nothing to add to such a beautiful piece. Thank you.

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Thank you :) I appreciate that. Sometimes short and sweet is more than adequate.

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(Edited)

Life can deal some really tough blows, but as each one hits I am of the opinion that if we brave it through to the other side… we are always not only better for it, but stronger too.

Courage, strength and bravery increase the more we use them. It doesn't mean we don't still get hurt, knocked down, battered and bruised, but we become more able to deal with it, in fact mitigate it I think also.

But, in truth, what you said above is perfect in itself and my words add little of much value; I guess I intend them more as an acknowledgment of your meaningful thought and a demonstration of my support.

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Very true @galenkp - although, I would like a vacation from them some time haha!

and my words add little of much value

Not true!

more as an acknowledgment of your meaningful thought and a demonstration of my support.

Thank you! That means a lot.

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Most welcome, it's always a pleasure.

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We all need a teddy to 'talk to' or equivalent, life at times takes us down strange paths, teddy fills the void.

!LUV

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I could not agree more :)

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