Monday, December 3, 2012

~A CHRISTMAS BEAR MYSTERY~

Some of you know that I was widowed a couple of times.  I was married to my first husband Patrick for 43 years.  I married him at seventeen years old.  He was my life.
Patrick was not one for much gift giving but every now and then he would surprise me and when he did his gifts always showed so much thought and usually something totally expected.
One year, I think it was Christmas 1993, Pat did one of his surprises. 
This little bear turned up on Christmas morning with my name on his little crocheted hat..and I was amazed that Pat had thought to do such a thing as order this for me! 
 
I love this little bear!  He represents  HOPE.
 

See my name on the little hat?  It says "Mona's Christmas Bear"
 
You cannot see it in the photo but he has a little red heart on his chest that used to light up and blink when you pushed it and it played a lot of Christmas Carols. 
In 1997 on December 15th at 3:30am...Pat passed away.  He died of a massive stroke.  He had lung cancer that we knew nothing about and it went to his brain killing him.  He was in a coma for ten days and then he died.  I didn't get to say goodby, it was sudden. 
That Christmas I tried to get some things out..but I just could not...but I did take my little bear down from the closet shelf and I kept him close to me. 
But he had stopped playing..his little red heart stopped beating.
I thought it was the batteries...I checked them..put in new ones..nothing!!
I thought it must be in the wiring.  I ended up taking the batteries out..I kept him in a large Christmas shopping bag on my closet shelf.  I could look up there and see him every now and then, the tippy top of his little red hat..and it was comforting.
 
Four years went by and I remarried and moved to Bakersfield California.  The shopping bag went on my closet shelf as always.  The closet was huge with high shelves I could barely reach and the bag sat there for several years.  I didn't take him out for Christmas.  Now and then I would think about it but I didn't.  And time went by.
One Christmas several years later I went in the closet for something...and suddenly the entire shopping bag fell off the shelf.  AND MY BEAR BEGAN TO PLAY CHRISTMAS MUSIC!  HIS LITTLE RED HEART BEATING AWAY!!
You will not believe this part...and I understand...but it happened.  I picked him up and began crying and when I could think straight I remembered...he had no batteries..or did he?  I unzipped the back and sure enough...empty!! 
 
No one has been able to give me an explanation.  I asked my husband and he didn't have a clue..I even called some dear friends long distance and told them...very old dear friends of Pat's and mine since high school..
I cried off and on for a few days...I didn't understand.  I  wanted an answer.
 
Sometimes..I just think there are those little Christmas miracles that happen.
 
My Christmas bear comes out every year now.  He is sitting in the living room among all the toys...I hug him when I walk by... and he has new batteries (I am always hopeful) but he doesn't play when you push on his little heart.. 
The end of this story is that my little Christmas bear plays only now and then.....all by himself.  I will suddenly hear that tinkling Christmas music coming from the closet..and then it stops.  No one has pushed his little heart..and I wonder. 
 
Merry Christmas ...and may this month of Christmas joy...and sadness...  be full of miracles for all of you.  I am sure you know the miracle I am praying for.
 
With love,
Mona
 
 
 

20 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your special story. It brought tears to my eyes. Both of joy and sadness. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers for that special Christmas wish. Wishing you and yours a very "Merry Christmas"

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  2. My prayers are for your Christmas wish to come true. I certainly believe you about the little bear playing his tune with out the batteries. He wanted to be noticed again after all those years. He also wanted you to know it is fine to remember the sad times and the beautiful times of when the bear was given to you.
    Big Christmas Hugs
    Kay

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  3. Beautiful Mona . . . just beautiful . . .

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  4. What a lovely story Mona! I got chills right away! I DO believe in Miracles and Signs! I know you cherish your bear as you should. I too will keep you in my thoughts for your special Christmas Wish!

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  5. Oh Mona, such a precious story and such a precious bear. I hope he plays his music for you this year. Hugs, Marty

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  6. What a wonderful story, Mona. I believe that there are small miracles around us all the time that give us hope. It is believing in that which is unbelievable and knowing that it is meant for us. God bless you-xo Diana

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  7. Sweet story:) I believe that was your love giving you a little gift from Heaven! Have a blessed day dear Mona, HUGS!

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  8. Ahhh, what a sweet story. I did make a few tears appear. I can believe this happened. Something you will never be able to explain but then that's okay, isn't it. (((((HUGS))))

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  9. How sweet. Maybe Pat gets it to play for you to remember. I would like to think that.

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  10. What a sweet and mystical story---we just can't understand some things, and the littlest mysteries are the most magical of all.

    Stories like this always make me feel as if an angel just brushed past, or the breeze of wings just touched my hair.

    Much love and many miracles to all of you this Blessed Season, Sweetpea,

    rachel

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  11. Shakespeare said it best, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
    Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

    Lovely story!

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  12. Well, Mona, by the time i got to the end, I was bawling....then...I noticed your photo with some grands on the sidebar and everyone looks so happy. I dried my tears and am going to trim my little tree.
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

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  13. What a sweet story and a wonderful "Christmas magic" bear. I would just enjoy the gift and know Pat is probably smiling or laughing his off every time the bear decides to play music for you! Many times the joy of living is in the surprises with no explanations...I hope some lovely surprises find you this Christmas!

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  14. that is a fabulous story and would make a wonderful book! magic!

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  15. That story sent chills through me. Oh Mona, such a wonderful story you shared with us.
    Your the best dear friend. I hope and pray that your life is going well. I know you have family to worry about.
    Big Hugs,
    Cindy

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  16. What a wonderful story Mona. I felt this deep in my heart, while reading - YES, I do believe in miracles - this little bear wanted to be part of the love in which it was given - for you to be happy. It is amazing that it only plays now and then - a gentle, sweet reminder that you are thought of and all the specialness that came with the bear.Your special Christmas wish - we all know what it is and we all pray for the goodness of a Christmas Miracle. lol

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  17. Dear Mona, this was a beautiful from the heart post, and so touching. I too believe there are things we cannot explain, but should just accept on faith. Patrick is always with you.

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  18. Mrs.Mona please help me im trying to get my moms bear repaired she has the same exact one and the music box is missing do you have any idea where your husband might have bought it? Im sorry for your lost. If do please contact me at smithaysia@aol.com and subject chrismtas bear. Thankyou very. :)

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  19. Beautiful. Almost made me cry for sadness and happiness. No need to question or explain miracles. Accept them with wonder and thankfulness.

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