This poem is a tribute to a special life
Mary Diane Cates Watt
August 18, 1955 - August 29, 2012
Imagine with me if you can
my dear friend named Diane
strong in faith, but weak of heart
truly, her heart didn't wholly do its part
heart attack at age twenty-four
one tough cookie, that's for sure
not to content to merely survive
she knew how to live and to thrive
one Sunday in church she scared the guest speaker
defibrillator went off as her heart grew weaker
Diane was in the hospital for the month of December
I gave her one of Nan's Goodwill Bears; yes, I remember
for six months she used the Left Ventricular Assist Device
a will to live, no matter the effort or the price
by June she was on the heart transplant list
thanks to her donor who is surely missed
the transplant was a success, but then came the infection
during one late August night she attained perfection
Diane's new heart stopped, but her spirit lives on
Jesus by his side, Kenny is never alone
the teddy bear was placed in her coffin
she comes to my thoughts quite often
today we gently laid her body to rest
I believe she passed each and every test
into the mysteries of eternal life we delve
Diane was buried Labor Day, September 3, 2012
truly we grieve and the loss of our loved one we mourn
she loved the Lord since before she was born
with no room for doubts or speculation
today was truly a September Celebration
I love you, Diane
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunflowers, teddy bears and a little blonde
One of the most magnificent sights I've ever seen has been one of my greatest pleasures this summer. I just love the fields of my beloved Iredell County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. A breathtaking display of literally huge fields of sunflowers has graced the horizon of nearby farms in recent days. Honey bees have delighted in tickling the tender buds of millions of sunflowers. Shutterbugs of all ages and expertise have constantly dotted the landscape searching for that "just right" spot along the outer reaches of the fields to capture the perfect bloom. A young bride in full wedding attire, not sure who was beaming more brightly, her or the sunflower blossoms being photographed for her wedding album. Luckily, my daughter was with me one Sunday afternoon. Naturally, I had to snap a few shots of Ashley with the sunflowers. I will include a beautiful photo of her soon.
And of course, I, on my way to work, stopped by the roadside to snap a few shots of the radiant blooms with a teddy bear hanging on to a stem. One glorious morning I just had to stop for one more effort to capture the perfect specimen for my 2013 teddy bear calendar. The parking lot of a large church ended where the sunflower field began. Naturally, I had several teddy bears tagging along. As I took my photos, I noticed a beautiful young mother and her little daughter with blonde hair, both barefooted a few yards away. Mom was taking photos of her little darling, Kayleigh. As I had time to linger, I asked Michelle if she would like for me to take some photos of her and Kayleigh over by the sunflowers. She beamed, delighted by my offer. It was a rare treat for me to photograph such a sweet, loving moment with mother and daughter among the sun-kissed blooms. I gave Kayleigh one of my little teddy bears and she held it as I snapped the photos of her and her mom kissing and hugging a few feet into the field of flowers.
Though we had never met before, as we talked about the fields of sunflowers, children and the teddy bear ministry, I felt as though we had known each other all our lives. I treasure each and every day and all the wonders God reveals to me as the day progresses. What a great pleasure to go out and truly live life to the fullest. Don't just think about "it". Do it. Whatever it is that motivates you and inspires you, do it with zest and enthusiasm!! You'll be glad you did!!
And of course, I, on my way to work, stopped by the roadside to snap a few shots of the radiant blooms with a teddy bear hanging on to a stem. One glorious morning I just had to stop for one more effort to capture the perfect specimen for my 2013 teddy bear calendar. The parking lot of a large church ended where the sunflower field began. Naturally, I had several teddy bears tagging along. As I took my photos, I noticed a beautiful young mother and her little daughter with blonde hair, both barefooted a few yards away. Mom was taking photos of her little darling, Kayleigh. As I had time to linger, I asked Michelle if she would like for me to take some photos of her and Kayleigh over by the sunflowers. She beamed, delighted by my offer. It was a rare treat for me to photograph such a sweet, loving moment with mother and daughter among the sun-kissed blooms. I gave Kayleigh one of my little teddy bears and she held it as I snapped the photos of her and her mom kissing and hugging a few feet into the field of flowers.
Though we had never met before, as we talked about the fields of sunflowers, children and the teddy bear ministry, I felt as though we had known each other all our lives. I treasure each and every day and all the wonders God reveals to me as the day progresses. What a great pleasure to go out and truly live life to the fullest. Don't just think about "it". Do it. Whatever it is that motivates you and inspires you, do it with zest and enthusiasm!! You'll be glad you did!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The One Thousandth Teddy Bear
I am spending time this morning catching up a bit on the latest news of the teddy bear ministry. The poem printed below is the one I included with the 1,000th teddy bear (including the original poem "Nan's Goodwill Bears) when I delivered it to the hospital on Sunday, July 22nd.
Before you leave this site, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the newest photos I've included for you, one of which is posted to the right of this message (that being me holding the 1,000th teddy). The other two photos are shown below the printed messages.
One of the ER nurses, Heather gets credit for the idea of getting the silver tag engraved for the bear indicating that it's the 1,000th teddy bear. Great idea, Heather! You'll see the photo of the silver tag with the engraving to the right and the photo of the bear is to the left. Have a wonderful day!! Love, Nan
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The One Thousandth Teddy Bear
Written by Nan Forehand
July 22, 2012
God granted me a vision and I
believed
So many blessings I have received
His promise, unbeknownst to me, of
one thousand bears, began with one teddy
Eager to please – on His mark – get
set, I was willing, able and ready
This twelve month journey, an
absolute joy – never iffy
Each teddy cleaned head to toe –
one and all looking mighty spiffy
To the hospital ER my teddies and I
would happily go
All glory to God for His love and
compassion to show
He prepares our blessings before we
have a need
Most assuredly this ministry was
blessed with Godspeed
To bring cuddly comfort to the
little children is my heart’s desire
A life lived in service to the Lord
is a life lived on purpose and on fire
No tellin’ how many more teddies
the good Lord will provide
“Well done, my good and faithful
servant”, I think He says, beaming with pride
Author's note: on July 22, 2011, I
delivered the first two dozen teddy bears to the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency
Department to be given to those little ones (and some bigger ones) in need of
cuddly comfort. Today, July 22, 2012, I will deliver another bunch of
teddies to the hospital after I get out of church and these teddies being
delivered today brings us to the total of 1,000 teddies provided to the
hospital in the past twelve months. This fact continues to amaze me!
Not that I am one bit surprised at how abundantly God has blessed what
has become a ministry and has brought so much joy to so many, myself included!
This ministry is called Nan's Goodwill Bears. A poem of the same name is
published in my poetry database at www.wordchimes.com. The parents of the
sick or injured child receive a copy of the poem to take home with them.
The teddy is given to the child to have and to hold in sickness and in
health. I hope you are encouraged and inspired to listen to the still
small voice of God whispering in your ear to see His vision for your purpose
and to get on His mark - get set - be willing, able and ready. Trust me,
you can't even imagine how wonderful your own life will be.
Love,
Nan
"Kindness in words creates
confidence"
"Kindness in thinking creates
profoundness"
"Kindness in giving creates
love"
author unknown
I would like for you to open your
Bible and read the book of 2 John NKJ. It's one of those short books
located in the back of the Bible. You will be glad you did! I was!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Kindness
Kindness in words creates confidence
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness
Kindness in giving creates love
author unknown
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Christian and the Bear
The realities of faith, hope and love can make every day an exciting adventure.
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
I absolutely love life and I am excited to put my feet on the floor every day, even if I start the day "in a fog" and stagger to the bathroom after a night of staying up late creating something beautiful, such as a new poem or a story that must be written before going to sleep for the night. I sometimes tell people that from the time we put our feet on the floor each morning until the head rests upon the pillow at night, we can't imagine what we will do and who we will meet. Nor can we conceive of the blessings God will bestow upon us as the mysteries of the day unfold.
A conversation about the teddy bear ministry began in the post office as simply as making a purchase of stamps. I asked Jessica, as she selected my stamps, "has there ever been a stamp printed with the image of a teddy bear on it?" She replied that she didn't know of one with a teddy bear on it. I told her I was just curious because I am fond of teddy bears. I shared with her, since there wasn't a line of people waiting for assistance behind me, the story of Nan's Goodwill Bears. Jessica was impressed and told me she thought that it's a really good thing I'm doing. I thanked her, made my purchase and that was the last time I saw her until a couple of weeks later.
As I came into the post office, Jessica looked pleased to see me and said she had been waiting for me to come into the post office. She took out her cell phone and began to search for something on the phone. When she turned the phone around for me, I was so touched by the photo she pulled up. It was her little son, sitting on a hospital bed, holding a teddy bear and wearing six shiny staples on his knee. Jessica told me he stroked the teddy to his cheek as the hospital staff placed the staples on his knee. I asked her if she would email me the photo and she was glad to accommodate my request.
This past Friday when I came into the post office, Jessica greeted me with her usual pretty smile. I asked her how was Christian doing since his accident. She said he was doing well until they took him back to the ER to have the staples removed. He remembered the experience of getting the staples set and the comfort his teddy bear brought him. He cried out "I need a teddy bear!" He wasn't thrilled about the idea of being "messed with" and he knew he would need the comfort of a teddy to make him feel better.
Jessica had never heard of Nan's Goodwill Bears until that day I asked about teddy bear postage stamps and not two weeks later, she was in the ER with Christian and much to her surprise, when she saw the teddy being given to Christian, she knew we had met in the Post Office a few days earlier. Isn't God's timing perfect every time!!
Now, Christian has two special teddies to comfort him when necessary. As you scroll down this page, you will find the photo of Christian and the bear. Have a great day and make sure it becomes an exciting adventure. Who has time for a mediocre day?!! Love ya! Nan
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
I absolutely love life and I am excited to put my feet on the floor every day, even if I start the day "in a fog" and stagger to the bathroom after a night of staying up late creating something beautiful, such as a new poem or a story that must be written before going to sleep for the night. I sometimes tell people that from the time we put our feet on the floor each morning until the head rests upon the pillow at night, we can't imagine what we will do and who we will meet. Nor can we conceive of the blessings God will bestow upon us as the mysteries of the day unfold.
A conversation about the teddy bear ministry began in the post office as simply as making a purchase of stamps. I asked Jessica, as she selected my stamps, "has there ever been a stamp printed with the image of a teddy bear on it?" She replied that she didn't know of one with a teddy bear on it. I told her I was just curious because I am fond of teddy bears. I shared with her, since there wasn't a line of people waiting for assistance behind me, the story of Nan's Goodwill Bears. Jessica was impressed and told me she thought that it's a really good thing I'm doing. I thanked her, made my purchase and that was the last time I saw her until a couple of weeks later.
As I came into the post office, Jessica looked pleased to see me and said she had been waiting for me to come into the post office. She took out her cell phone and began to search for something on the phone. When she turned the phone around for me, I was so touched by the photo she pulled up. It was her little son, sitting on a hospital bed, holding a teddy bear and wearing six shiny staples on his knee. Jessica told me he stroked the teddy to his cheek as the hospital staff placed the staples on his knee. I asked her if she would email me the photo and she was glad to accommodate my request.
This past Friday when I came into the post office, Jessica greeted me with her usual pretty smile. I asked her how was Christian doing since his accident. She said he was doing well until they took him back to the ER to have the staples removed. He remembered the experience of getting the staples set and the comfort his teddy bear brought him. He cried out "I need a teddy bear!" He wasn't thrilled about the idea of being "messed with" and he knew he would need the comfort of a teddy to make him feel better.
Jessica had never heard of Nan's Goodwill Bears until that day I asked about teddy bear postage stamps and not two weeks later, she was in the ER with Christian and much to her surprise, when she saw the teddy being given to Christian, she knew we had met in the Post Office a few days earlier. Isn't God's timing perfect every time!!
Now, Christian has two special teddies to comfort him when necessary. As you scroll down this page, you will find the photo of Christian and the bear. Have a great day and make sure it becomes an exciting adventure. Who has time for a mediocre day?!! Love ya! Nan
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Ashley's Night in the ER
My daughter, Ashley is a Certified Nurse's Assistant and has been working at Iredell Memorial Hospital for almost a year. She has always worked third shift and is going to college, also. I am so proud of her and the professional woman she is becoming. As well, she can see that her Mama is still becoming the woman God wants me to be.
My brother in law and his wife recently came for a visit from New Mexico. I invited Linda to join me last Saturday morning to go with me to the hospital to deliver teddy bears to the Emergency Department. It was a good feeling for her to come with me and see first hand the warm reception from the staff and to see the two containers filled to the brim with beautiful, clean, cuddly teddies just waiting for the right person who would appreciate the love and comfort being offered. Now, I'll share with you a story as best as I can recall it.
Ashley called me when she got off work on Sunday morning. She was excited to share with me that she worked in the ER on Saturday night. Among the many other duties she performed in the ER, she told me of a little four year old boy who was brought into the ER in need of stitches. He got up during the night and went to the freezer to get a popsicle. He decided to get a knife to open the package. In doing so, you guessed it, the knife slipped and he cut his finger. He was pretty calm through the whole experience, right up to the point when the doctor had to numb his finger. It required six stitches. At some point, when the stitches were in place, Ashley brought him one of the teddies. She personally selected just the right one for him. As she handed the mom the envelope containing the poem "Nan's Good will Bears", Ashley told the little boy, as he clutched the teddy bear, "My Mommy is the nice lady who brings all of these teddy bears to the hospital". She continued to share "the rest of the story" with them.
It warms my heart to the core to hear stories where children are comforted by my teddies. Kids will be kids. They will get sick and they will get hurt. It has been that way since the first child was born. I am one person and there are a lot of children out there who need to be comforted and loved when they are in urgent need of professional care. All the parents are concerned with is getting their child fixed and feeling better. I know. I've been in their shoes. It is my honor and pleasure to be just one blip on the big screen of life who gives from the heart and expects nothing in return.
May all your days be filled with pleasure and joy. As it says in the Bible. It's better to give than to receive. I just love giving. The more I give, the happier I am.
Have a wonderful day and keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours!! Nan
My brother in law and his wife recently came for a visit from New Mexico. I invited Linda to join me last Saturday morning to go with me to the hospital to deliver teddy bears to the Emergency Department. It was a good feeling for her to come with me and see first hand the warm reception from the staff and to see the two containers filled to the brim with beautiful, clean, cuddly teddies just waiting for the right person who would appreciate the love and comfort being offered. Now, I'll share with you a story as best as I can recall it.
Ashley called me when she got off work on Sunday morning. She was excited to share with me that she worked in the ER on Saturday night. Among the many other duties she performed in the ER, she told me of a little four year old boy who was brought into the ER in need of stitches. He got up during the night and went to the freezer to get a popsicle. He decided to get a knife to open the package. In doing so, you guessed it, the knife slipped and he cut his finger. He was pretty calm through the whole experience, right up to the point when the doctor had to numb his finger. It required six stitches. At some point, when the stitches were in place, Ashley brought him one of the teddies. She personally selected just the right one for him. As she handed the mom the envelope containing the poem "Nan's Good will Bears", Ashley told the little boy, as he clutched the teddy bear, "My Mommy is the nice lady who brings all of these teddy bears to the hospital". She continued to share "the rest of the story" with them.
It warms my heart to the core to hear stories where children are comforted by my teddies. Kids will be kids. They will get sick and they will get hurt. It has been that way since the first child was born. I am one person and there are a lot of children out there who need to be comforted and loved when they are in urgent need of professional care. All the parents are concerned with is getting their child fixed and feeling better. I know. I've been in their shoes. It is my honor and pleasure to be just one blip on the big screen of life who gives from the heart and expects nothing in return.
May all your days be filled with pleasure and joy. As it says in the Bible. It's better to give than to receive. I just love giving. The more I give, the happier I am.
Have a wonderful day and keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours!! Nan
Friday, June 8, 2012
Teddies ------ A Legacy of Love
Work is a liaison office between our desires and their fulfillments.
Napoleon Hill
It was and continues to be my sincere desire to help sick children. This desire was manifested in the physical form of soft, cuddly bears. It has taken many hours of work, purchasing, repairing, cleaning, and making my deliveries to the hospital on a weekly basis since last summer. To date, more than 800 teddy bears have been given to those in need of comfort. I cleaned another 25 bears last night in preparation for delivery today. In my home, awaiting their turn, are approximately 300 more teddies. I know this, because my daughter and I reorganized the bears in my attic this week and took a head count! LOL! Plus, there are teddies in Ashley's room downstairs, some of which were given to me yesterday. This ministry will continue as long as God puts teddy bears in my hands.
If you are led to donate teddies or want to send a monetary contribution, please let me know through the following email address and I will be glad to give you more information. The email address is
www.nansgoodwillbears@yahoo.com I am a very frugal shopper. Should you decide to send money, you can rest assured that I honor your generosity and stretch each dollar to acquire as many bears as possible. Also, remember that each bear must pass my high standards of quality. I only select gently loved teddies.
A few months ago, I found in my stash, a beautiful teddy with a copyright date of 1984 on the tag. There was a hole in the face where an eye was removed. Other than the hole, it's condition is amazing! At some point later, I was given a teddy wearing a Harley-Davidson outfit. Since I use naked bears, I took the shirt and "leather jacket" off of the bear. I took the boots (amazing as it sounds!) and made an eye patch for the 1984 teddy! I am submitting a photo for your viewing pleasure.
The bottom line here is to remember that we must first do the work in order to reap the reward. Earlier this week, I received two emails from moms whose young daughters received teddies during their stay in the hospital. The subject of one of the emails was "You Made A Smile!". Mom emailed me a photo of her beautiful daughter holding her teddy as she sat in her hospital bed. Mom said that Nana Bear, as they call it, has become a very special member of their family. To bring a smile to a sick child's face is priceless! Each and every child is priceless!! Because these mothers contacted me, they warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face, too! Thank you so much!
Sometimes, it still boggles my mind at the multitude of teddies God has provided for this ministry He planted in my heart. It was fertilized by my trust in God and my faith in Him. Yes, it has required many hours of work to make all of this happen. I have no earthly idea how much of my own money I have spent purchasing teddies. It's not about the money and it has never been about the money. It is about sharing God's love in the form of a soft, cuddly teddy bear. My priorities are always shifting to accommodate the continuation of the ministry. When I shall die, I will know God's purpose for me has been fulfilled. Nan's good will bears is a legacy of love.
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