At first glance, one might think that I run a business of making stuffed bears for customers. Yes, a bear is ordered, created and shipped (the cost is $45.00 plus $10.00 shipping and handling). That sure sounds commercial, doesn’t it?
Here’s where commercial bites the dust. The bears I create are made from the clothing of a spouse, child, parent or another loved one in a family. The bear is requested by a family member because their loved one has passed away.
When a loved one dies, the family is left with earthly reminders that they were here: a favorite shirt, a dress, or other item of clothing. This clothing becomes the material that a bear is created from. These are the memories that become their memory bear; a bear they can hold and hug while they remember.
When a family member makes the decision to have a memory bear made, I speak to them personally on the phone in order to understand their wishes and their loss. This is where the creation of a memory bear becomes personal to me. You see, I have the honor of helping a family cope with their loss.
With each death, there is the pain of separation and loss. I want the family to know that their loved one’s clothing and memory is treated with respect. I call to let the family know when I have received the clothing and I call them when their memory bear is shipped. Often, the initial and on-going conversations are a chance for the family member to talk about their grief and pain. Your memory bear is personal.
What an amazing idea! Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
Beautiful caring ministry.
What a sweet ministry! may the Lord bless you and your ministry.
This feels very much like a Personal Mission to help others. Not commercial at all.
This is so strange to me because I once had this idea to do this but did not know how to begin…this was probably 20 years ago. I am so glad that you are doing this for the families!
They are lovely in way that could make one sad.