home > Homes for Children > Northeast, Alabama > News

Teddy Bear Story

It was late one Friday afternoon when the phone rang. The call initiated our Crisis Response Team and everyone on the team joined in. Two children were in a desperate situation and needed an emergency placement-a four-year-old boy and his three-year-old sister. When I walked out to the car to greet the worker and two children, the little boy virtually leaped out of the car and ran with arm and finger pointing toward the playground. Without a word he was headed toward what he perceived as a great place to spend some time. We were able to get his attention and slow him down long enough to redirect him toward the house so we could gather the necessary information and complete the admission forms. Within that briefest of encounters was a clue of what we were to experience the next four days. The house parents soon realized little Billy was virtually non-verbal. When he did speak he would use single words which were often times difficult to understand. He was much more comfortable pointing toward what he desired. If he were asked to go to his room to return something he would point in the direction of his bedroom and say "woom"! We also quickly recognized Billy was an extremely clean child and would compulsively wash his hands after play and if he ever got something on his finger or hands he would say, "don't you see that, please take it off". Billy's younger sister whom I'll call Debbie was mirroring her big brother and when he would place his hand before a parent she would do likewise.

Toward the end of the day when it was time to go to bed fear gripped both Billy and Debbie. This is often the case with the children we serve. The reality of being separated from their parents is painfully unavoidable. As long as they can run and play the hurt seems to be minimized but when all is quiet the pain comes rushing back in. God has provided in many ways for the boys and girls to whom we minister and this was never so plainly visible than with Billy and Debbie. They were having a difficult time going to sleep. Their little eyes were filled with tears and their hearts were racing. Having been concerned about getting their baths and the things put away, I had almost forgotten about the "Teddy Bears." Precious little stuffed animals which had been given for just such a time as this. I hurried down the hall and selected four of different styles and returned to the room. I held up two of the bears for Billy to pick from and he chose the one with overalls on and a handkerchief dangling from his hip pocket.

Allowing him to choose one was important I believe because everything they had known was suddenly taken away from them. I believe it is important for the children to have as much control over their life circumstances as they can. I like to empower them to make choices and although it may be in very small ways, it helps them to realize they do have some control of their life circumstances. As Billy pulled his ear up close and I nestled the cover snugly around he and his new friend, I knelt down on my knees and began to pray for him. The prayer was in a soft reassuring voice and was somewhat lengthy to allow him to feel the presence of God and to begin to feel the calmness of the Holy Spirit. As I turned to walk away I asked him if he would like to have his lamp on or the bathroom door light on with the door cracked open and he pointed to his bathroom door. I walked away from the room and down the hall to Debbie's room where the house parent was having a difficult time calming her fears. When I arrived in the room Debbie was very upset and sobbing. I presented her with the two Teddy Bears from which to choose. She selected the bear with a soft tan color and soft fluffy fur. I took Debbie up in my arms and we sat in the rocking chair and I began to talk to her about her newfound friends at the Friendship House and also her cuddly little bear. I reassured her by telling her I had just left her brother Billy and he was nestled down for a good night's sleep. Debbie was calm now and clutching her bear tightly. As I placed her in bed and knelt by her bed to pray I again thanked God for Debbie's new friends and talked bout the fun we would have tomorrow and I prayed for sweet dreams for her. As I walked down the darkened hallway, I whispered a little prayer to God for providing so well for our children, especially for the two little bears that were so important to these precious little children.

It will not surprise you to know that the bears became very important to Billy and Debbie and seemed to help fill the huge void left by the loss of their parents. They brought them to the supper table with them and asked to have a chair set for them so they could watch while the children ate. Where ever Debbie went you were likely to see a little tan bear held by one ear in her tiny hand.

HomeHomes for ChildrenProfessional CounselingFamily EnrichmentGet InvolvedAbout UsContact UsDonationsSite Map

Alabama Baptist Children's Homes - Central Administration
P.O. Box 361767, Birmingham, AL 35236-1767
Phone: 205-982-1112, Toll Free: 888-720-8805, Fax: 205-982-9992

© 2004 Alabama Baptist Children's Homes.  All Rights Reserved.