An expected package from Sally and
John's home arrived at our house in late March 1998. We knew the contents of the box: The
Get Well Winnie the Pooh! My husband Jim was scheduled for two very complicated and
radical back surgeries the first week of April. He had been suffering from chronic back
pain and had been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. His first operation called an
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion would involve an incision from his chest where all disc
matter would be scraped out and bone plugs would be inserted between vertebrae. His second
operation, a Lumbar Laminectomy with Fusion and Instrumentation involved an incision in
his back and two metal rods and screws to be placed on either side of the vertebrae.
Needless to say, we were familiar with the complexity of the operations and were scared. When we opened the box, Pooh bear surprised us with his
cuddly sweet looks and cheerful grin! He sure played the part with his hospital gown that
read "Get Well Soon", his crutch and bandages! In fact, Jim looked a lot like
Pooh even before his surgeries. Jim had a bandage around a finger due to a torn nail; he
was using his canes to steady himself and his bad knee was wrapped due to the wet and
foggy recent days that aggravated the stiffness. When it rains, it pours! We lightly
placed Pooh high up on a shelf in our office so he could survey his new home for the next
few months. I had to return to work and so Jim, my cats and Pooh were alone all day. My
older cat often slept on the bed with Jim and Pooh kept watch over everyone. Each day I
noticed honey smears on Pooh's smock, face and paws. The Boyds bears had been keeping the
Bear Hollow Honey Stand open 24 hours for Pooh! And indulge he did! He had an insatiable
appetite for "hunny" always declaring that "it was time for a little
smackeral."
(Click to enlarge pic) Pooh's extended stay at our house was an important
part of both Jim's and my healing. Jim and I grew closer through the frightening aftermath
of his recovery. Our marriage passed yet another rite of bonding. Pooh's presence at our
house was due to concern and compassion from Sally and John who in turn received Pooh from
Linda, a woman of great love and compassion, and who has also now become my friend. After
a few months of steady progress in Jim's recovery, it was time to choose Pooh's next
important assignment.
I noticed a get well wish for Crystal, a fellow
Boyds collector on the internet board. I knew Crystal only by name and had corresponded
with her a few times last year when she was helping me identify a nameless panda! So I
emailed her and offered her Pooh with his bundles of good cheer and love! She gladly
accepted him with open arms and of course, now we exchange both Boyds and Pooh hugs! I'll
let her tell you her story
Send E-mail to Elizabeth - lizzie@inreach.com
Visit Elizabeth's Page in the Collector's Corner of the Boyds Cafe!
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