This picture was taken in February 1980 in our home in Stuttgart, AR. I was 8years old here. I have always been a fan of stuffed animals. I was never that much into dolls. This bear looks so big but when I went thru my collection, not too long ago, he didn't look the same as I remembered...he shrunk! My bedroom used to be what is now the office. The ceiling was once covered with stuffed animals hanging from fishing line.
My largest stuffed animal was Gordy. [ yes, they all had names] He is a large gorilla that I won at Libertyland amusement park in Memphis. It was the game where you throw rings on milk bottles.
Some of you may not understand this but as an only child, my stuffed animals were like my 'chosen' siblings. I talked to them and shared with them both my joys and frustrations of childhood. Don't get me wrong, I was never one who wanted or longed for a sibling. My parents asked me at age 10, if I'd like a brother or sister? I didn't even have to think about it.. Nope! I'm sure some will say I don't know what I'm missing but I'm okay with that.
God gives us all what we need in life. I have friends that are my true sisters and brothers in Christ.
Sometimes a stuffed bear is a girl's best friend ;) When I was a child, I decided I wanted a younger sibling. My parents got me a life-sized Pollyanna doll instead. Later, after I experienced childbirth, I understood why... :)
ReplyDeleteYou so loved the stuffed animals, and I am glad you are an only child. Every childhood should be what the child wants you can choose your friends, however you are stuck with family for life, good or bad. Dad
ReplyDeleteMy brother used to beat up my baby dolls and I would cry and fuss that he was hurting them. They can seem so real to us when we are little. I love that! I remember thinking how tall LaJuana Magee was when I was a little girl. When I grew up...she had shrunk!
ReplyDeleteYou have the cutest pictures! That bear looks so much bigger than you! I had a little soft fuzzy pink cat that my favorite aunt gave me and I loved it for years. I was like you...not many dolls, but how I loved my furry friends (stuffed animals). However, even though that little kitty was my favorite back then, now I am not a big fan of cats. Some things do change. It probably matters that I could rub on my stuffed one and he never struck back!! I had a brother and a "girl" cousin close by, so I never really yearned for more siblings. As I got older, and now, I TREASURE my "sisters" that God gave me. I am truly blessed. Love you sweet friend, T.
ReplyDeleteI understand perfectly about the animals being your chosen siblings. I was like an only child with my brother and sister married and gone by the time I was 5. I played with my dolls and animals as though they were real. Didn't hurt me a bit! You are loved!
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