The simplest of things can often bring the most comfort. It might be a silky pillowcase. It could be in just a couple of words or a tune of a song. It might be found in the corner of a blanket or a small worn-out stuffed animal. It could be in a smile or a quiet hug. Those little things, seemingly insignificant, carry big medicine.
Daddy and Brownie, the bear
You’ve heard the story of my daddy’s teddy bear, Brownie. I know just how he felt about his bear because I feel the same way about the bear my mama made for me when I was about four or five years old. He is made out of brown corduroy, with off-white velvety paws and ears, and embroidered eyes, nose and mouth. His corduroy is worn thin, his neck has been restuffed and stitched together a few times, and he has flannel patches on his tattered body. He might not look like much, but to me, he is more than special. Having him close by is comforting especially if I don’t feel good or have had a bad day. He is good medicine.
That’s not the only medicine I have. When I was quite small, my Montana grandmother came to visit. That was a treat! I never got to see her as often as I would have liked, but it never failed that when I did, it was just like we had never been apart. On that particular visit, she made a special treasure for me – a quilt. The pieced side is made from scraps of flannel. It is soft, warm, and cuddly just like my grandmother was. I didn’t use it a lot, but rather tucked it away for special times when I needed an extra dose of comfort.
My quilt has a few worn places just like my bear and me. Even though I am a grandmother, there are still times I carefully pull the quilt over me and hold my bear close.
You’re never too old for a dose of Big Medicine.