Battered Bears

Jordyn gave her battered old teddy bear a hug before setting him on her pillow. Her brother smirked as he walked by. "Why don't you give that ratty old thing a decent burial--in a garbage can?""Oh, be quiet, Aaron," said Jordyn, frowning. "You're just mean!""Let's go, kids!" Mom called down the hall. Jordyn sighed and made a face. They were going to visit Mom's Aunt Dora, who lived in a nursing home. "Do we have to go?" asked Aaron. "We don't like going there. It's boring, and she always asks us the same questions over and over.""Yes, you have to," replied Mom. "Aunt Dora loves to see you."At the nursing home, Aunt Dora smiled when she saw them. "I'm so glad you came! Can you stay for a while?" she asked as she fondly patted Jordyn's hand."Would you like the kids to draw you pictures while we talk?" asked Mom. Aunt Dora nodded happily, so Jordyn and Aaron got out some paper and crayons.When Jordyn finished her picture, she sketched a silly cartoon of Aunt Dora. She showed it to Aaron, and they both snickered. Mom saw the picture too, but she didn't find it funny at all."Jordyn, I noticed you didn't like it when Aaron made fun of your teddy bear this morning," Mom said when they were driving home. "I guess you still love it, even though it's old and its fur is rubbed off and one eye is missing, right?" Jordyn nodded emphatically. "Well," said Mom. "I love Aunt Dora even though she's old. She raised me after my parents died, and it hurts me deeply to see the two of you make fun of her." Jordyn hung her head. "I'm sorry.""Me too," said Aaron. "I guess we weren't thinking.""Do you know who else loves Aunt Dora?" asked Mom. "God does. He loves and cares for elderly people, and He wants us to honor and respect them even though their minds and bodies may not be as strong as they once were. They have spent their lives taking care of their families and friends. Now it's our turn to take care of them. Will you both please help me do that?" Jordyn and Aaron both nodded.- Ellen C. Orr