An admission: I have a stuffed toy — Winnie the Pooh — that I take with me everywhere.
He is my friend, my sense of comfort when days are dark. He travels with me everywhere; he has sat in more airplanes and seen more cities than the average stuffed Pooh, and still smiles through it all.
For the past six years, I couldn’t imagine life without my plush Pooh Bear.
Two weeks ago, I gave him away.
I was on a British Airways flight, returning to Washington DC after a speaking gig in London, when I meant Melanie. She was sitting in the row across from me, tears streaming across her face.
Melanie was eight years old.
She was leaving her friends, her home, her life in London because her mom got a new job in DC. She didn’t know if she would like her new room, her new neighborhood, her new school, her new life.
I introduced her to Pooh Bear. I told her that he was my best friend, the person I could talk to when I was feeling alone.
She laughed at me and then smiled:
“I need a friend like that.”
I handed her my plush friend and told her that she could keep him. She needed a friend right now more than I did.
On her way off the plane, she thanked me as she tightly clutched Pooh Bear:
“I’ll be okay. I just made my first friend.”
—
I miss Pooh Bear. I miss my friend, my confidant, my travel buddy. But by giving him away to Melanie I’ve realized that the old adage really is true: if you love something, set it free.
Over the past month, I’ve slowly been learning to let things go. Sometimes holding on to something means you’re holding someone else back.
I’m glad and sad to hear about Pooh. I know you loved him very much. I am glad to hear that Pooh is enjoying his new friend and the new adventures he will have with Melanie. You are one of the kindest and most thoughtful and generous people I know. I once tried to give away one of my “babies” but sadly I did not have the courage you did. I felt that I would miss them too much to give them up, but I know see that they may bring others the joy they brought me. I will try again.
Thanks for that.
xoxo
Iris
If only we met more people like you on airplanes!
I’m sure she’ll thank you forever for that bear.
Letting go is a good thing. When we let go, we allow other good things into our lives :)
You are a wonderful human being!
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Mark. And thanks for continuing to inspire me with all the nuggets of wisdom you continue to share.
Kate, giving away a teddy bear isn’t much., so the praise is entirely undue. In fact, I should thank Melanie: she has helped me put so many things in perspective.
Mehnaz, that reminds me of a quote I posted on Squandrous the other day: things fall apart so that other things can fall together. I’ve definitely learned that first-hand over the past month or so.
And Iris, don’t give away George. Everyone needs a fat alligator in their life from time to time. =)
Sameer, what a fantastic story, and great message. Melanie’s statement after stepping off the plane displays a wisdom far beyond her years, and your willingness to give away a treasured part of your life to help someone else demonstrates the incredible strength of your character. This is one of many examples of why we all missed you when you were quiet last month. :)
I had a wonderful conversation on that flight with Melanie: she was a well-traveled child at the age of eight, and she shared even more wisdom with me over the 3-4 hours we chatted. One of the most precious things she told me, paraphrased: “No matter how many times you move, it doesn’t get any easier.”
Wonderfully wise and astute child. I’m happy to have met her.
And I’m happy to have been able to share a bit of Melanie with you all. I’m glad to be back. Thanks Dan.
That’s so wonderful. Melanie will remember that gesture forever.
Thanks Sylvia. I’ve actually got an update to this story going up tomorrow morning. Big surprise hit me this evening. Stay tuned. =)
Nice update Sameer :)
Amir, I’m just putting the finishing touches on the update. Should be up in less than an hour — which is still morning for people on this side of the world. =)
The update, if you’re interested: http://itellstories.org/2009/05/05/pooh-comes-home/
[…] Release and The Return by Sameer Vasta, I Tell Stories (April & August) I came home from work last night to find a small UPS package waiting for me at my apartment. In it, a plush toy and a two-page letter. […]