It all started many years ago at a moving sale. A small bear with a modest price tag of 50 cents [~40 British Pence]. My father promised the attendant that the bear would be well looked after. Little did they know what that tiny sale would become and the people it would bring together.
When I was still a little girl, I had collected so many Paddington bears that they began to fall out of my bed. I decided to bring several bears over to my father’s bed. Since that night, my father has continued to take care of his own group of bears. His group, and my own, are often shared between us. In fact, for many holidays he receives new bears.
His collection began to gain the notice of his co-workers. They knew his love for the bears was a celebration of his love for his daughter. His co-workers began to give him Paddington bears as well. When he travelled, he brought his bears and would give them location pins.
Together, my father and I, enjoyed our growing world of Paddington. We talked about them nearly every night (and still do!). Our Paddington world completely changed with the discovery of an amazing new website: eBay. Since its discovery, my primary way to relax at night is to surf eBay (and sites like it) looking for amazing Paddingtons.
Another day that changed my world was June 25, 2017. The day started with nervous energy. I was to meet a celebrity that morning. My boyfriend was also nervous, but for a different reason. Before meeting with the celebrity, he asked me to marry him at the Paddington statue at Paddington Station! I said yes! Mere hours later, we were in the home of Michael Bond and his wife Sue. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Paddington’s birthday. It was an incredible experience to share our love of Paddington Bear with its creator. He was truly a kindly and humble gentleman. This was just shortly before Michael Bond passed at 91 years old.
A year later, my fiancé and I were the United States grand prize winners of the 60th anniversary Paddington contest. This resulted in a fun party complete with lots of marmalade sandwiches and Paddington himself. What a special event it was to share with friends and family!
I truly believe that “Paddington has a habit of bringing people closer together” [Paddington Goes to Town]. My love of Paddington has brought me closer to my father, husband, and many others. I’ve seen my love for Paddington grow as I’ve seen their love for Paddington grow as well.
Paddington has not just been a collection, but a way of life. Each of the bears I have received has a special place in my heart. They mark special occasions and wonderful memories throughout my life. I am extremely grateful for that rare sort of bear.