The teddy bear has short, brown fur and black and brown eyes. He has a semi-reflective black nose with a small white blemish from age. His round right ear leans forward as his left ear tilts back. He is dressed in a navy blue shirt which reads “Cisco Cares.” The t-shirt is torn slightly on the right shoulder. The bear’s right leg is partially torn hanging loosely onto his body. He looks well-used and well-loved.

About 15 years ago, my father had gone on a business trip for a week. When he returned on October 16, he handed out gifts which he had brought home with him. Among them was a brown teddy bear in a blue shirt for my sister, who was six years old at the time. She was ecstatic. The bear would be her second favorite stuffed animal until today. A few years later, the teddy bear was captured by my other sister in a tense hostage crisis. During a fierce battle between my sister, the teddy bear sustained a blow to the right shoulder which resulted in the tearing of his shirt. About six years after receiving the bear, when she was twelve, she decided that her younger brother, me, was worthy to take on the responsibility of caring for the bear at the age of five. On October 16, 2007, she gifted me the bear. My new friend and I would share many great memories in years to come, including his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of my stuffed animal army.

This teddy bear has been a symbol of love in my family for 15 years. He has represented the love of parents towards their children. His valuable presence in the household has also shown the unbreakable bond between the siblings of the family. He is a symbol of the love that still ties my family together today.