You don’t have to admit it to me but…how many of you adults reading this blog post have a favorite stuffed animal that you love, talk to and sleep with? Hahaha! Busted!

I do. I have my little set of Beanie Babies…the little lamb, the cat and the porpoise. Now I have a pink stuffed teddy bear. She’s cute, small and so soft. I have to admit I love her. Where did she come from? Almost 33 years ago I had brain surgery. My second of the big 3 surgeries. My mother took care of me…was in the hospital every day and then at my home every day for just about 6 weeks when I returned home. One day in the hospital Mom arrived with this cute little pink bear. It was for some comfort and also to help when medical personnel came around giving shots or removing bandages etc., stuff that can be hurtful right after surgery. You squeeze the little thing which is some sort of help with pain. She also did that to my father when he was in the hospital having surgery. Probably not a pink bear but a cute little guy I’m sure.

I named my bear Neurobear. She’s been so special to me all these years. However, after my recent spinal/back surgery and some time after my radiation treatments ended last year, I started talking to little Neurobear. I haven’t talked to her in 32 years. Now I talk to her at night and sleep with her. We talk in the morning as well. Hmmm…

To determine whether or not I was losing what’s left of my mind, I researched adults and stuffed animals. I ran into an article written by a couple of psychologists. They said we adults are perfectly normal being attached to a particular stuffed animal. They can help relieve stress and anxiety which helps us sleep better at night. Whew! At least I’m not certifiable. This is actually quite normal.

And since my Mom gave her to me I can’t help but think she’s offering me some comfort as I recover from my latest surgery. This back/spinal procedure is the most challenging of the 3 surgeries I’ve had. I am getting better…almost 100% with still some time to go to complete recovery. But it’s been a bit tough…frustrations, mood swings, a bit of depression…things that come and go and are part of the recovery process. But you get tired of all this and want it to go away immediately…which it doesn’t. Enter Neurobear.

We talk…sort of. And I can bounce my thoughts off of this stuffed animal in a way that just plain talking to yourself doesn’t quite work. I do hope it is Mom taking care of me once again even from the after-life through this adorable little gift she gave me almost 33 years ago. And yes, it does give me comfort and relieve anxiety about a lot of things. I do find myself relaxing more at night and hopefully falling asleep faster. Trying to get into your regular sleep routine after a major surgery and trip to rehab afterwards can be tough. You’re all screwed up when you get home. You’re different than before you left home to go to the hospital.

So little pink Neurobear is my little pal. She’s so special to me. How about you? I’ll bet you too have a little stuffed animal or doll or something that you love and care about. As I said in the beginning, you don’t have to admit it to me…but I’ll bet you do have something. Haha!

And if you don’t have a little something? Here is your permission to buy a little thing immediately! You’re not crazy. I am but I’m pretty sure you’re not. We all have to deal with life and personal concerns, frustrations, disappointments, fears, you-name-it. Sometimes talking to and hugging a cute stuffed toy is the only thing you can do to feel somewhat safe and secure at certain times. Less anxious. Calmer.

So. Go out and get a cute little stuffed animal of your choice. I’m telling you that you will be glad you did. And please, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post telling me about your little friend and what his/her name is. Here’s to our little stuffed animal pals. We love you!

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