August 2016 when April’s mum sent us the sweetest photo of her fast asleep, surrounded by her collection of sheepskin comforters, including her Koala, her bunny Rosie, and her very special Teddy. Even back then, Teddy was already looking a little different from when he was new and you could tell he was very much loved.
Years later, April’s mum got back in touch, and we couldn’t help but smile when we saw what had become of Teddy. Let’s just say he’s had quite the life!
April is now 10, and Teddy is 8 years old. He was originally a honey flat bear given to April by her Nana and Pa. But if you saw him today, you’d probably never guess!
Over the years, Teddy has been cuddled, carried, slept with and loved so much that he’s almost unrecognisable. He’s been stitched and patched, and at one point, another FLATOUTbear was even sewn onto his back to help hold him together. The family now calls him Teddy Frankenstein.
Teddy has been with April through so many little moments of growing up, from bedtime cuddles and quiet afternoons spent reading to family holidays, games and watching TV together. He’s been there for the tears, the laughter and everything in between. And looking at him now, with all his patches, stitches and worn-out bits, we can’t help but think how wonderful it is that something so small can mean so much.
That’s the lovely thing about a well-loved FLATOUTbear. Every little worn patch has a story. Every stitch is another chapter. And every change is a reminder of just how much love a little bear can hold.
Teddy Frankenstein might not be the fluffiest bear in the family anymore, but he’s certainly the most treasured.