Stories from a Hospital Volunteer - The Teddy Bears Picnic

[Greenthorn]

This is a story about a lady patient who we met on Monday, a lady who lay in bed next to a teddy bear. The lady was cheerful and talkative, welcoming my colleague Lucy and I for a long chat. Well of course we were drawn to her bear, dressed in a light blue felt jacket and red shorts. I think in the past he also wore a cocked hat with a feather in it. The name of the bear was Wino. She told us that he was a former alcoholic! Apparently, she found him one day at home with his hat askew and his feather pointing south-west instead of north-east. Hence, she then called him Wino. Obviously, he had been drunk. The good news is that Wino never touched a drink since being named.

The lady patient lived with MS. We asked her how many other bears she had at home and she told us about 100. A collector of bears. These bears were her family. The patient was quite clear what she would do if she were to die. She would bin most of the bears, just giving away a few of her favourites. We asked her about her other bears. There was one called Smelly. Well Smelly to his friends but she called him Smell! It wasn’t that his smell was unpleasant; it was just a bear smell! Other bears names were Puddles and Pinkhead.

We asked what it was that first attracted her to bears, what was it she found fascinating? Her answer wasn’t what I was expecting. She said she fell in love with their bums, the way their bums kind of wiggle when they walk off away from the camera, pigeon toed. Well for the life of me I’ve never studied a bear from behind.

Well of course I had my Bluetooth speaker with me and I just had to play The Teddy Bears Picnic. As the tune began to play, so I picked up Smelly from her bed and began moving his legs to the beat and doing one or two turns but the patient asked me to stop as this made her feel dizzy! She wasn’t accustomed to her bears doing dances! It occurred to me how valuable it is to care for somebody else, be it a pet or a cuddly toy. The current Volunteer of the Year is in fact a dog called Bruno. It is a almost as if Bruno knows exactly what he is doing, how he enjoys meeting patients, many of whom are elderly or are living with dementia. So here's to Smelly and all other teddy bears who provide such love for their owners.

[Threecats]

You are right, Greenthorn, having something to care for can certainly bring meaning to a life. I knew a lady where I worked once who had the most beautiful orchid collection and spent all her time outside of work lavishing love and care on her plants. As for bears, I can’t say that I’ve ever studied a bear’s behind either but will look at them in a new light now😀

[Greenthorn in reply to Threecats]

Thanks Threecats, your reply was a ray of sunshine. I guess people are re energised when caring for plants. It must be a two way thing, plants give back. Certainly an orchid is a wonderful representation of nature. They say what goes round comes around; what one gives out, so it comes back. As for your last sentence and looking at a bear's behind in a new light, I guess you mean a new perspective and not using a torch 🤣

[Threecats in reply to Greenthorn]

I must say, this lady certainly seemed to get a lot out of her plants - some of them even had names! I never thought to ask why some did and others didn’t.

As for bears and their behinds , there won’t be any torches being used here, definitely perspective only🤣🤣

[Nula2]

Another lovely story Greenthorn and so true. I've had dogs all my adult life until I lost my last one a few years back. Not in a position to have pets now and miss the company, more so since I spend so much time on my own (maybe I should get a teddy bear😀). xxx

[Greenthorn in reply to Nula2]

Thanks Nula, is there any reason why you shouldn't get another dog? Is it all too much? How about the garden and see Threecats reply above. I actually do have a collection of animal toys which decorate a sofa, armchair or ledge. They include a fox, a flamingo, an elephant and a giraffe. I haven't begun talking to them yet, but I make sure they look comfortable! In the first place I bought them to amuse my son but whereas he is now growing up, so I seem to be going in the other direction!

[Nula2 in reply to Greenthorn]

Hi Greenthorn, yes too much for me now but a friend brings round her dog to see me so that's nice 🙂... and I have got two lovely doggy doorstops who look after me 😆xxxx

[BronchyBronwen in reply to Nula2]

Really sympathise, Nula 2. Lost my Suzy 17 months ago, unexpectedly. Can't have another as cannot risk back being pulled while dog on lead during a walk. BUT, may I recommend Borrowmydoggy.com which is a terrific online organisation for borrowers and owners. Very well-regulated. I get a visit from my man from Cuba once or twice a week. He's walked before and after his all day visits and is just a lovely companion (a Havanese, if you hadn't guessed!). Just needs treats (supplied by owner) and a couple of forays into the garden. Sits on sofa with me and puts his paw on my hand!

🐕🐕😉xx

[Nula2 in reply to BronchyBronwen]

Ah that's lovely Bronwen ❤️. Thank you for the suggestion. Not right for me at the moment but will keep the details in case it feels right in the future. Thank you 😊xx

[Threecats in reply to Nula2]

I do sympathise Nula, I’ve always been a dog person but moved after the last one died and dogs aren’t permitted here, hence I ended up with the cats. They are good company , particularly when awake- so for about 30 mins in any 24 hour period😀 but not the same as the devotion you get from a dog - not that I tell them that , of course😄

[Nula2 in reply to Threecats]

Yes I totally understand what you mean. Cat are lovely but totally different to having a dog (I won't tell them you said that 😆). I've always had rescue dogs and a huge part of it for me was seeing them blossom (although some fears you couldn't completely cure). Also the social side of dog walking - I made so many friends out walking. But due to my not so good health and other issues in my life don't feel I have anything left to give at the moment. BUT never say never 😊xxx

[Threecats in reply to Nula2]

You’re absolutely right there, Nula, we always had rescue dogs, too, mainly German Shepherds. Some had been treated incredibly badly and so it was a joy to see them respond and, as you say, blossom, with the love and care they received. Nevertheless, it always seemed amazing that they could learn to trust again after what some had been through. You’re right about the friends made dog-walking, too. Although, of course, they were always known by the name of their dog 😄

As you say, never say never but at least there’s lots of happy memories😊xx

[Nula2 in reply to Threecats]

Ah that's lovely that you took on German Shepherds, beautiful dogs when they have good owners but if they've been badly treated taking them on is not for the fainted hearted. I know of a couple who rescued one and they worked miracles transforming him from a reactive nervous wreck into a much loved calm boy 🙂. And you're so right about knowing people by their dogs name. 'Gracie's dad' or 'Bonnies mum' 🐕‍🦺😅xxx

[Cloudancer]

Your posts always lift up my spirits Greenthorn.Thank you so much for posting x

[Greenthorn in reply to Cloudancer]

And Thankyou Cloudancer for such a lovely comment. I've not been so regular on HU of late but a comment like yours is very encouraging.

[Morrison10]

Thanks for interesting post of lady with MS in hospital bed, Glad she has teddy bears for company. My older daughter has primary progressive MS, lives in various wheelchairs and special bed, now has to have live in carer. Her husband left her said couldn’t live with someone who couldn’t walk, after building downstairs bedroom and bathroom. She used spare rooms to take in two mother Ukrainians and their 3 children. They are nice, go out to work, mainly cleaning to cover their costs. Only 1 spoke English originally, now all do including children who go to school. Jean x

[Greenthorn in reply to Morrison10]

That is so interesting Jean. I do hope the children get to know and talk with your daughter. What an interesting horizon ahead. I'd be happy to hear more. X

[Nula2 in reply to Morrison10]

Ah that's so heart warming Jean 🙂xxx

[Morrison10]

Hi, the Ukrainians have been with my daughter nearly 18 months. Initially she was able to drive her special vehicle and take them out, one of favourite places was Warwick Castle. One mother bought a second hand car for driving children to school etc. One boy, age 7, loves my. Daughter, when get home from school runs up to her for hug. I’ve met them several times, and am now considering what to do this Christmas. They live 70 miles from me, so needs careful planning. Will keep you updated. Jean x

[Patk1]

💞xx

[dunnellon]

Interesting stories from both of you, Greenthorn and Morrison10! 🙂