22-Year-Old Pulls Teddy Bear from Box, in Tears Over Voice Coming from Bear
Ever visited a Build-a-Bear Workshop? The process is pretty simple: pick a furry friend, select an outfit, then personalize your brand-new buddy with some adorable accessories.
But those in the know realize that Build-a-Bear also offers another optional feature. If you’d like, you can choose a favorite scent or sound to help make your cute critter extra-special.
Lauren Doyle recently received a Build-a-Bear gift for a very touching reason.
The 22-year-old health care assistant, who resides in England’s County Durham, lost her beloved 73-year-old grandmother just two days after Christmas.
The grandmother’s name was Barbara Kinnell, often called “nana” by her family. But Doyle had also christened Kinnell with another playful nickname, shared just between the two of them: Babbylicious.
Doyle received the unexpected gift while she was at home recovering from sepsis, contracted during a recent surgery. Her friend Carly Pounder stopped by to surprise her.
In a smartphone-recorded video that has quickly gone viral, Doyle merely unwrapped the package and began tearing up immediately.
The bear’s birth certificate had been imprinted with the name “Babbylicious.”
“Get her out,” prompted Pounder, encouraging Doyle to examine the bear more closely. “What color has she got on?”
It turned out Babbylicious was bedecked in a beautiful bright red dress, complete with a pretty bow and shiny red shoes. Red, apparently, was Kinnell’s favorite color.
“Lauren, press her hand,” continued Pounder, clearly knowing what was about to happen next. Doyle complied, and the room was instantly filled with the sound of her dear nana’s familiar voice.
“Just calling to see if you’re okay, pet — I’ll give you a ring later on,” said the voice. “Ta-ra, love — love you, bye.”
According to news sources, the recording was taken from a voice mail message left just three weeks prior to Kinnell’s passing.
Clearly overcome, Doyle put down the bear, set aside the box, and simply sobbed into both hands
Sometimes, good friends know exactly what you need to help encourage your heart.
Doyle’s sweet bear Babbylicious is sure to serve as a constant reminder that her nana’s loving spirit will always stay close by her side.
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