Charlotte

Charlotte was born in August of 1983.

It was in the hospital recovering from major surgery. After a week, on the morning of my discharge, I felt a sharp pain in my side. It turned out to be a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lung).

It was a life threatening complication. I was ordered not to move - even to turn to my side or adjust the bed - without calling for help.

The hospital was located pretty far from where my friends and family lived. it was difficult for anyone to visit me. Mom made a point of trying to get there most days but I was pretty lonely.

My apartment-mate, Linda, thought that I needed something to hug. She went on a hunt one evening for a nice squishy, snuggly Teddy Bear, but all she could find was this mouse.

Linda named it Charlotte. It was perfect. (The nurses let me cut up a hospital gown so that Charlotte could wear one just like me.)

I ended up staying there for over a month but I wasn't lonely anymore. I had Charlotte to hold when I wanted to cry. And when I did cry, she comforted me.

Charlotte is a little worn now, but she sits on my bed every day. She just celebrated her 28th birthday. That's exactly how old I was when I needed her.