BEAR HUGS

Scripture: Be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2(b) NIV

My cousin Patty had gone for a mammography.  Before the examination was completed, her oncologist had scheduled an emergency mastectomy for the next morning.

Her stay in the hospital was short, and she had many months of chemotherapy and radiation ahead.

I made telephone calls and sent cards to her home in Florida, but it did not seem enough.  In times of crisis, we all need someone to love and hug.  Bears seem to satisfy that need.  The American Cancer Society gives, "Care Bears" to cancer victims and their families.  I decided to send Patty a bear.  However, my bear would have a personality!  I dressed a taupe curly-haired bear in a white polished cotton pinafore with an angel pin pinned to it, and placed a white Easter bonnet with a flower attached to its front brim on her head.  Under the right side of the dress, I placed a large folded gauze pad with Winnie the Pooh bandages taped to each of its corners.

As I wrapped the bear for mailing, I prayed for healing for my cousin and her family who also needed understanding and hugs.  Included in the package was a note explaining to Patty that "Betsy Bear" had the same operation she did.

When Patty received the bear, she hugged it, and laughed and cried.  She called to thank me and say that she knew she was not alone in this crisis.  that day I truly felt that I did "bear" with Patty in love.

Prayer:  Father, life is difficult when illness comes. I thank you for allowing us to reach out to others to help them to heal.  Amen

Elizabeth Mary Van Hook

November 2003