A Word From DD

Memory Bears are special bears made from an article of clothing that belonged to that special person in your life. They can also be made from something you care about and want to cherish forever, like a baby's first blanket, Dad’s ties or Grandma’s jacket. They bring comfort and emotional support to adults and kids who have lost someone special in their lives.

Using a pattern my aunt shared with me, I made my first Memory Bear in 2004 when a friend of the family passed away. Since then, I have made many bears for people in all different states. I love making these bears for people. It brings happiness to me knowing that I am helping them deal with the loss of their loved one.

One of my most memorable bears I ever made was for a lady in California. The bear was made from one of her son’s favorite shirts. She had emailed me the story about her son and how he died in her arms. That was very touching to me. She sent me the shirt, along with a picture of her son wearing it. Tears started welling up in my eyes. He looked so happy in that picture. The bear turned out just as cute as it could be. I attached the picture of her son to the bear and sent it back to her. She loved it! She told me it brings her comfort, as if she were holding her son.

I also made a bear for a co-worker using a bunch of ties that belonged to his father who had recently passed away. That one was a little more challenging than the others I had previously made. The ties were silk and had to be taken apart, ironed flat, then backed to stabilize the fabric. Once the bear was finished, I was amazed. It turned out great! And he was just in awe. He sat there looking at it, silent. I said, “Say something.” He just said, "WOW!” Reactions like that make it all worth it to me.

I have always loved helping people. And I believe making Memory Bears helps people deal with one of the toughest times in their lives. This is especially true when I am working on a bear for someone who lost a child. I can’t imagine anything worse! And, if I can help them, even in the smallest way, I have done my job. The greatest thank-you for me is when someone refers my site to someone else who needs my help. Please spread the word that Memory Bears are available to help people who need them.

I can be contacted by email at ddsmemorybears@yahoo.com or by phone at (734) 748-6222. You can see some of my work on my web site www.ddsmemorybears.com.