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| Heartley Bears made with TLC |
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| Wednesday, 08 October 2008 | |
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Jennifer Larson Community Editor Stitched with tender loving care, Heartley Bears are not your ordinary stuffed animal. Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Forest Lake is organizing and facilitating the creation of teddy bears for families made out of the clothing from their deceased loved ones. According to Funeral Director Susan Hutchison, the idea came about with the passing of her husband’s grandfather, Hartley Alden, of Iowa. When he died in May, Paul Hutchison’s mother and grandmother sewed over 20 bears for the children and grand kids from Alden’s clothing. The unique gifts will be given to family members on Thanksgiving, she said. A farmer and trapper, Susan said that Alden was not a flashy dresser yet his wardrobe was recognizable. Wrapping your arms around the bear when you need a hug from the person that is now gone but here in spirit could be very comforting, especially if their aroma still lingered on the material. Mattson Funeral Home has scheduled a day for families to come to their business, cut out their own bear pattern and let the volunteers sew them. The families can then stuff the Heartley Bears and place a wooden heart inside with their loved one’s name on it before getting stitched up. All of this would be at no cost to the families. The event is planned for Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m. and is not limited to those Mattson has serviced. “People could give these as Christmas presents,” Susan Hutchison said. She said they’re seeking volunteers – roughly one per family – and donations from the community to offset the costs. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact the funeral home by Wednesday, Oct. 15. Interested participants should reserve a spot by Monday, Oct. 20. For more information or questions, contact Mattson Funeral Home, 343 N. Shore Dr., at 651-464-3556. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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