Charlie Bears

I have sewn hundreds of memory bears for customers -- mostly out of grandparent or parent clothing or from someone dear who has passed away. Even after witnessing many tears, lots of thankful hugs, and much appreciation from people who I had sewn bears for, I never really understood how valuable and sentimental of a keepsake the bears were until I lost my son.

Charlie was born at 3:22 in the morning at St. Bernard’s in Jonesboro, AR. Upon arriving home, I had no idea what to do with myself and the overwhelming amount of grief that had just been brought upon me. So, around 10 o’clock that same morning, I did what I knew best. I started sewing.

I gathered up all of the adorable footed sleepers, body suits with “Little Brother” beautifully embroidered on them, and special blankets, that we had happily bought in preparation of our sweet boy’s arrival. I also gathered the items St. Bernard’s had given us, on behalf of the loss of Charlie, such as the cutest teeny tiny diapers, hand-crocheted hats, and other special keepsakes. In addition, I had a pair of denim overalls that belonged to my husband’s grandpa, whom Charlie was named after, that I gathered into my pile as well.

With all of these items, I created a memory bear for myself. I sewed all day long and by 9 o’clock that night, the same day Charlie Rush was born, I had a keepsake that kept me company, and has given me “Bear Hugs” during many sleepless nights. My Charlie Bear is one of my most precious items that I have in remembrance of our sweet boy.

Over time, I began to receive requests for memory bears from families who had lost just as we had lost Charlie. I have shed many tears as I created bears for babies gone too soon.

From there, I was given this idea! -- To create a non-profit and sew memory bears, at no cost, for grieving families.

I contacted St. Bernard’s and they welcomed me with open arms! At this time, Charlie Bears will be offered, at no cost, to every family who experiences infant loss or stillbirth on the L&D Floor or NICU at St. Bernard’s in Jonesboro, AR. Affected families will receive a pamphlet with information on how to contact Charlie Bears to have their bear made.

Thank you so much for reading the story behind Charlie Bears and for supporting this page!

“God has given each of us a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10).”

In Loving Memory of Charlie Rush Adams