Strong Families Build Strong Communities One Day at a Time
Bears for Joyce
What do I get my mother for a Mother’s Day gift? How about a Build-a-Bear? Yay, that was a winner. What do I get my mother for Christmas? A singing bear, another hit. What do I get my mother for her last birthday? A soft bear with a matching blanket, another hit. I lost my mother, Joyce, this year. It has been a difficult time to say the least. Watching my mother battle cancer for the fifth and final time was difficult and yet, I learned so much from her. Even in her difficult struggles, and perhaps because of her struggles, she found joy and comfort in simple ways. I lived 3,000 miles from my mommy, but we were always close, and she never felt that far away. I would get her bears to hug, because I couldn’t always be there to hug her myself like I wanted to. Her last Christmas, my husband and I were able to set up her Christmas tree with all of her Christmas Bears. It brought her great joy as she was struggling to decide if it was time to quit her fight with cancer or to continue fighting. My mom chose to keep fighting; the cancer didn’t give up this time, however, and I lost my mother on May 31, 2010. Her birthday was in October, and I was struggling with missing her. My dear husband cheered me with a wonderful idea that has grown into this endeavor. He suggested that we buy a stuffed bear each year on her birthday and donate it to someone for comfort in her honor. Simple? Yes. An amazing comfort was born in my heart, though. My mom’s legacy was simple things can bring comfort and great joy. We all need a hug at times. Sometimes we need a lot of hugs and a teddy bear can be a nice companion. I look forward to Bears for Joyce growing each year in our county. We can share love and comfort with our community by participating. We can also feel love and comfort in our lives as we give bears to hug.
- Lori Waters
Bears for Joyce
2011 Teddy Bear Drive--Bears to be Donated to
Polk County Residents in Need of Comfort
Children of all ages can be comforted by their own Teddy Bear in times of crisis!
Please drop off a new or gently loved bear by November 11, 2011
at one of these convenient drop off sites--
Built by Waters
Garrison Land Management
Combs Welding
State Farm Agent® Kevin Weltlin – Lake Wales
State Farm Agent® Michell Githens – Bartow
Buy the Book off Recker Hwy
OR
Bring your donation to the Kickoff of Polk County Family Week
on November 12, 2011 from 9am to 1pm
at Central Park in downtown Winter Haven
Questions--email PolkMoneySmarts@aol.com,
or call Daphne Garrison 863-307-1789
Click on one of the links below for a printable flyer:
If you have any questions about the Polk County Family Week,
please e-mail us at:
Copyright, Polk County Family Week
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