Memories Take Shape

I volunteer for the hospice where I used to work - as a Memory Bear Maker. This is a very special project that I started for the Wisconsin office when I took my position as Volunteer Services Manager and by the time I retired we'd made well over 1,000 bears. I don't know what the count is now!

The bears are offered to our hospice families in memory of their loved one…they get to choose mom's favorite t-shirt, or dad's favorite sweatshirt, or a sibling's soft bathrobe and we volunteers turn this special garment into a special bear.

The bears give families something to hug if they need to - something to look at that hopefully provides comforting memories.

I love making the bears. And even though this is a very simple four-piece pattern, each bear is unique. The fabric is different for each bear so each bear takes on a personality of its own.

As I sew I think about the family that requested their bear(s) and some of the thank you notes we get in return are so very special.

I know what a Memory Bear can do….just by sitting on someone's bed, or on top of a dresser, or in a place of honor in the living room. Bears bring smiles, bears bring tears, bears bring comfort. Bring on the bears!