During the time Joe was having chemo we spent a lot of time on the third floor of the Pavilion at Portland Adventist Medical Center. It's leased by OHSU Phil Knight Cancer Institute. The Oncology team became like family to us. After Joe died, I would stop by now and then to say hi. The lady in the pictures is Barbara. When Joe would come in, it was her responsibility to take his vitals, weigh him, and take us to a room to wait for the Dr. When the Dr. visit was finished she would get him settled in his recliner and give him a warm blanket before the nurses came to start his infusion. Barbara can do "magic" things with material. Including articles of clothing for preemies, quilting etc. Months later, after Joe was gone, on one of my visits, I had learned she made a teddy out of a man's shirt for the son of one of the nurses. The wheels in my head started turning. I asked her if I could hire her to make me a couple. ..... I just happened to have two of Joe's shirts hanging in my closest that I couldn't let go of. The following pictures are of the first "Joe" Bear.
A close up of Mr. Joe Bear |
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I'll love you for ever and for always
Your Betty Girl
Your Betty Girl