It can be extremely upsetting for some people not to have parents who live
into their adult years. Any age can be traumatic to lose a parent, making
the sentimental items they leave for us all the more crucial. People can
attach meaning to anything that can provide solace and comfort during trying
times, from clothes and electronics to even little items like a
keychain.
The most precious item that was left to one woman in Vancouver, British
Columbia, was a cute teddy bear produced in the build-a-bear workshop that
had her mother's voice recorded over so that she could always listen to it.
Prior to her death from cancer, Mara Soriano's mother left her a teddy bear
with the message that Mara was loved and that her mother would always be by
her side.
Sadly, Mara had to give the bear away because her possessions were taken
from her car before her move in June 2020. Ryan Reynolds, a resident of
Vancouver, saw her social media post after she posted it and instantly
offered a $5,000 reward for the plush animal's return.
Reynolds' kind behavior not only made Mara's request more powerful, but it
also turned out to be the nicest thing that ever happened to her because she
was reunited with her treasured bear. In situations like these, it just goes
to show how amazing certain celebrities are for using their influence for
the greater good. Thankfully, these kinds of touching tales are occurring
more frequently in today's connected society thanks to social media.
According to USA Today, Mara gave her bear the suitable moniker "Mamabear"
and was devastated when it was lost. In June 2020, Mara was moving out of
her Toronto condo and to Vancouver when her treasured bear, iPad, and
Nintendo Switch were stolen. The bear held a farewell recorded message from
her mother, Marilyn Sorano, who passed away from cancer in June 2019 at the
age of 53, which is why it held such significance for her.
When the bear was kidnapped, Mara described her feelings to CBC News as
follows:
"I'm just sad about it. I'm really heartbroken."
She continued by adding further information about the recording within the
bear:
"Her voice changed when she was at the hospice. much gentler Not the mother
I knew growing up. The last time I remember her speaking in her typical
voice, it was to that bear. She assured me that she would always be by my
side and that she loved and was proud of me."
Mara was born in the Philippines and migrated to Toronto, Canada, when she
was barely nine years old. She went on:
"It makes me miss home. A Filipino message is written within the bear. I
love you is said there, but in our language. So it's incredibly particular
and very special. I only need to locate my bear. I only give a damn about
that."
According to USA Today, Mara posted signs all over the place requesting
that the individuals who stole her backpack return the bear while still
allowing them to retain the devices. She solely cared about the teddy bear;
nothing else.
When Ryan Reynolds saw Mara's tale on CBC, he made sure to share it on his
own Twitter. As a result, Mara's message quickly went viral. He stated in
his tweet, "Vancouver: $5,000 to the first person to get this bear back to
Mara. No queries were posed. This bear has to return home, I believe." As an
additional incentive, he added, "If you #FindMarasBear, I'll send you so
much @AviationGin it'll be influenced by the tide." He even added more
incentives for anyone to return the bear unharmed. Zach Braff, another
famous person, tweeted, "I NEED THIS BEAR TO COME HOME!!!!"
Thousands of individuals copied Reynolds and Braff after they posted their
messages. Reynolds' post appeared to have an effect on the bear's taker, and
Mara's bear arrived unhurt, suggesting that the financial incentives might
have also had an impact.
In a different tweet, Mara said that the bear had "NOT A SCRATCH ON HER AT
ALL! Her voice is still there, but she is missing her glasses. Two good
samaritans brought her back to us in a secure location." This was
undoubtedly reason for joy and demonstrated the influence social media has
nowadays.
VIDEO: @drawmaradraw has been reunited with her teddy bear that contains her late mother’s voice. Says two good samaritans returned the bear Tuesday night after taking it from the original thief. @cbcnewsbc @CBCAlerts @CBCDeborahGoble @VancityReynolds #FOUNDMARASBEAR pic.twitter.com/G2UCiPaCRG
— Dan Burritt (@DanBurritt) July 29, 2020
Mara expressed her gratitude to Reynolds for bringing attention to her tale
to CBC News, saying, "I'm so tremendously glad for the awareness boost that
(Reynolds) provided to this kind of narrative," and that it was "simply
incredible that someone like him would take note on someone like me."
Tags:
celebrity