#saved #toys #teddybear #vintage #nostalgia

Of all the things I’ve saved or collected through the years, I’ve longest kept the teddy bear given to me by an uncle and aunt when I was hospitalized at age three. I named him Dr. Neil, after the doctor who took good care of me. I’ve shared the bear several times on this site, including for a Photo Friday challenge in 2022 (today’s photo is different from that one). When I was around seven, Dr. Neil was stolen from me. I searched until I found him at a neighbor child’s house and brought him home.

The old saying goes, “You can’t take it with you when you go,” but I’ve never gone anywhere without him. I’ve left directions that when the time comes, Dr. Neil is either to be buried or cremated with me.