Reunited, And It Feels So Good

Several times a day, readers ask me to post a story about something they’ve lost.

Or found.

Car keys. Phones. Dogs. Stuffed animals. And much, much more.

I’m sorry, I say. I can’t do that. There are too many requests. And though it’s important to you, the interest level is way too low for “06880”‘s 20,000 or so daily readers. Try Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch,” I add.

I always feel bad.

Now I can feel better — at least for people looking for lost stuffed animals, dolls and blankets.

James Delorey has created a Facebook page just for them (the people, and the items).

Westport Stuffed Animal Search & Rescue began after his mother gave James’ infant daughter Mireille a handsome bear, complete with a grandma-knit hockey sweater. It quickly became the tot’s favorite.

But halfway through a walk one day, Mireille’s Bruin was no longer in the stroller.

James raced home, jumped on his bike, and retraced his route.

On a stone wall in front of the Longshore golf course, he spotted the bear. Someone had found it, and placed it safely there.

Whew!

Mireille’s Bruin, on the Longshore wall.

Since then, he’s noticed how often local community pages include photos of lost (and found) stuffed animals.

They’re not just toys, he notes. They’re beloved companions.

So James developed Westport Stuffed Animal Search & Rescue as a spot to share photos and locations of found stuffed animals, dolls, blankets and the like.

Since then he’s seen lovies, blankets, puppets, even prizes from the Yankee Doodle Fair.

Years later, Mireille still loves her Bruin.

Some users post their own finds. Some amplify notices from other good Samaritans.

The other day, James had his first personal success.

His family discovered a doll in the middle of Hillspoint Road, in front of Old Mill Grocery.

They brushed her off, and placed her somewhere safe and visible. Within hours, a parent saw their post cross-shared on Westport Front Porch. The doll was quickly reunited with her very grateful owner.

Success!

James says, “Every post in Westport Stuffed Animal Search & Rescue captures both the smallest and biggest parts of life: the love and angst of childhood, the attentiveness of parents, and the kindness of neighbors.

“Our first success filled my heart. I hope it’s the first of many.”

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