This right here is, you guessed it, a teddy bear. But not just any teddy bear, this is my teddy bear that I bought with my own money as a little girl. When I was 8 years old, I'd saved up around 18 dollars, and my dad took me to Toys R Us to spend my hard-earned money. Wide-eyed and overwhelmed in the wonderland of toys, I found my way to a bunch of stuffed animals. I've always had a love for the soft fluffy bears. When I saw this guy, I just knew that I had to have him, much to my father's dismay, as I already had a ton of other plushies. We marched down to the cashier, and I plopped down a wad of crumpled up bills on the counter, and I walked out a proud owner of a brand new teddy bear.

Of course I named him, can you guess what spectacular name my 8-year-old self came up with? Did you guess: Snuggles? Because you'd be 100% correct! So this is Snuggles, my favorite teddy bear. He's very special to me, I mean, he's been everywhere I have, and he's coming with me to Japan too! And I'd like to share why he's so special, and why it wouldn't hurt for you to get your own special little friend too.

Dear Snuggles,

Thank you for always being there for me.

You were there when I had my first break up and caught all the preteen tears that fell down my face. 11-year-old me was just distraught by what happened, but you still were there. Didn't judge me one bit. In fact, you've been with me through every break up, and were definitely there during my worst ones. At 17, I've found that boys come and go, but this lil' teddy bear stayed right there with me.

You were there through every fight I've had with friends. You've heard all the drama that goes with teenage angst and friendships in high school, every friend that's done me wrong, every friend I've done wrong. You know it all. Again, friendships come and go I've learned, even ones you've had half your life, but teddy bears are forever.

Thank you for always listening to me.

You, my dear friend, have heard my very heart and soul poured out to you. You know some spectacularly juicy secrets! You know every single detail of my life, and well, probably half my friends' too. Let's all be glad you can't talk, we'd be in a world of hurt, ha! In a world where not many people take the time to hear you out, it's nice to have someone that'll listen to me drone on about my day, my crazy dreams, my life.

Thank you for living up to your name.

Snuggles. Such creativity from 8-year-old me. But it's been very fitting. He used to be a very pretty light brown and fluffy, but nowadays you can tell he's been very loved throughout the years. Lots of long nights spent held close to my chest. Sometimes holding you kept my life together. When I'm sad, or feeling alone, or scared, I always have someone close to me.

Now I know to some of you this may seem silly, a 17-year-old writing a letter to her teddy bear? But it's not very silly or strange to me. This stuffed bear has been one of the best purchases ever made, right up there with my paint set, camera and guitar. When life gets crazy, sometimes it's nice to have a soft little bear full of memories to hold and cry into. It's so much more than just a teddy bear, I hope you understand. Maybe you have one too, or something similar to help you out when times are tough. Just remember, never judge someone that still sleeps with a stuffed animal, and don't think you're weird for sleeping with one. It's more common than you think.

Much Love,

Britt.