Alexa, Volume 10: We’re Singing and Dancing! - episode 56
So on my master list of dream guests this woman was on it. Marcella. We met through a mutual friend who had been close by when we let go of our son, Christian to the weak heart he was born with. Two years later Marcella was in a similar situation, finding out the son she was pregnant with would not live. She had to say goodbye to her baby George after he was born. We bonded and have been close friends ever since. At the time her family included children Henry, Charles, Christina and soon after came Elizabeth who we will be having a conversation with today alongside her mom. I’ve met, and interacted with, Marcella and Matt’s children, all grown now. They are all doing well and remain close. You will hear reference to The Comfort Cub which is a therapeutic weighted teddy bear Marcella invented after the loss of her son. The whole family is bonded by the experience they had with baby George and Marcella’s subsequent foray into wanting to help people in their grief through The Comfort Cub. More on that in today’s blog.
Wasn’t it a kick to hear the different answers? To hear about movies, animals, crushes and finding out how Marcella and Elizabeth see each other? My takeaway is the importance of connection, and also to play. I find it telling each mother and daughter we’ve had a conversation with in this series have the fondest memories of singing and dancing together. Not formally but casually. There is something there we need to pay attention to. If nothing else to make sure we create more opportunities to do so even if it is virtual. And if together then even better. I have fond memories of family dance parties we’ve had through the years. Daughters and sons. Take some time and play with your kids. Even if they are grown. They will always be yours, and you will always be theirs.
Gracious. Resilient. Loving. (Elizabeth, about mom Marcella)
Courageous. Capable. Creative. (Marcella, about daughter Elizabeth)
The Comfort Cub
Thoughts from Alexa, Volume 10. We’re Singing and Dancing!
As you heard, there was reference to The Comfort Cub during the conversation we had. It has the history of tragedy turned into something good for the world. After baby George died and the process of grief began, Marcella had a physical pain in her arms and chest from not being able to hold her son. She noticed when she picked up a pot of flowers the pain went away. Intrigued by this discovery she did some research and found out about Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome.” It is typically triggered or brought on by an extreme event, like the death of a loved one.
From there The Comfort Cub went from the imagination to realization. It began as a gift to other mothers grieving the loss of a child. Each comes with a handwritten note from Marcella to let the mom know she is not alone in her pain. Someone else knows what she is feeling and going through. It started out locally and has grown to be a presence on all continents. Along the way it has been used in other heartbreaking scenarios: miscarriage, mass-shootings, death/trauma, even pet loss, etc.
And guess what? It turns out it has holistic healing abilities. As stated on their website, “Due to deep touch pressure, holding The Comfort Cub triggers the brain to release key neurotransmitters and ‘the cuddle hormone,’ which causes the body to relax and feel comforted. The Comfort Cub has been scientifically proven to decrease heaviness in the chest and aching in the arms, as well as other physical manifestations of a distressing loss.”
I am inspired by Marcella taking excruciating pain and turning it into a beautiful, essential, loving tool to help others in their suffering. It’s not a cure but it is a huge comfort. And it’s a very cute, lovable bear.
If you want to learn more: https://www.thecomfortcub.org.
Thanks, Marcella for making the world better. One cub at a time.
The Comfort Cub provides a lasting hug you can experience anywhere, anytime. It provides immediate help and comfort. — Marcella
