Teddy bears and Christmas carols

Today was sunny with puffy white clouds in the sky. My walk in the park was a good one, and I captured pictures of quite a few deer and birds that I could have posted for today's blip, but instead I chose to post a picture taken this evening when a group from our church went caroling at an extended care facility. First we sang carols in the dining room at the end of meal time, then in the hallway to small groups of residents, and also in the rooms of one or two of the seniors. Each time we sang, we finished up with "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and presented each resident with a teddy bear. The bears had been purchased by church members especially for this occasion.

Today's blip is not as sharply focused as I would like, but it records a priceless moment. This gentleman had just received his teddy bear and agreed to pose for a photo op. The expression on his face shows the joy with which these wonderful people received their teddy bears.

Seated across the table from him was another man holding his teddy bear. As I turned away to move on with my group of singers, he captured my attention, and I could read in his eyes an appeal to "take my picture too." So of course that is what I did. Another resident, upon receiving a teddy bear, remarked, "You brought a tear to my eye," and a woman who wasn't able to leave her bed, reached for the tissue box to wipe away her tears as we gathered around her bed and sang the carol she requested.

Our singing may not have been concert-quality, but our audience was delighted anyway, and those who were able sang along with us. The fellow in the picture took his teddy bear back to his room, and as we wrapped up our visit and walked past his room, we saw him, still sitting in his wheelchair, singing to the teddy bear.

I am very happy that I had this opportunity to be part of this heart-warming event.