As a child, I had lots of stuffed animals. I had the usual teddy bears as well as a good amount of Disney friends as well as Francine and Arthur from "Arthur." When you grow up and "mature," you are supposed to get rid of all those stuffed animals. I didn't. I still have a closet full of my favorites and to me they are priceless.
Looking at my stuffed animals, I remember memories of playing with them and having some sort of tea party. I remember being upset and crying, holding on to them for comfort. They're also a collection of old style stuffed animals such as my Mickey Mouse and Pooh Bear from 2000. They just feel and look different than today's stuffed animals in stores. They're definitely bigger than what the stores used to sell when I was younger. The big Pooh Bear now is not at all what the huge Pooh Bear used to be in the Disney store.
My stuffed animals remind me of being a kid and having fun. I'm someone who's definitely a kid at heart and never wants to grow up and I guess keeping my old friends around remind me of that. As I transition into adulthood, those guys help me remain sane as the stress of working towards that college diploma and career choice try to break me down. They're a nod to the good old days of eating breakfast and watching cartoons in the morning without a worry in the world.
I don't buy as many stuffed animals as I used to, however, there are a couple of new kids on the block that have become favorites. For instance, I love Pusheen. I love that big soft kitty who comes in different personas. Dinosaur Pusheen, Mermaid Pusheen, Christmas Pusheen with a wreath, and even a Pusheen holding a tiny doughnut. Big cat, tiny doughnut equals me crying because way too much cuteness occurring. Like I said before, I'm a tiny child at heart who loves soft fluffy animals. There is also my baby that I won at Dave & Busters. As seen in Despicable Me as the, "It's so Fluffy," Mr.Unicorn now occupies my bed during the day.
My oldest buddy is my dog named Andy that I got from Toys R Us when I was four years old. He's gone on vacation with me every year since then and has been my source of comfort through hard times. He's held my tears more than any pillow. The black material from his nose may be gone from many washing machine adventures, but he's still my favorite.
Growing up doesn't mean throwing away every item that reminds you of childhood. Whether it was a doll, action figure, stuffed animal or even a lego set, that doesn't mean after a certain age they do not mean shit. If it makes you happy, keep it around as an ode to the younger you that fell in love with it years ago. I'm sure they would love to know you still remember them.
