Anyone that misses a loved one will know that sharing stories and reading old letters helps to feel as if they are still near. And what can be more comforting than holding something that your loved one owned to possibly smell the scent that brings those memories to life.
Lisa Freeman is a mother who is very familiar with these memory-keeping habits. It is something that she does all time to remember her brave son Matthew Freeman, a young marine who died in combat just nine days into his service in Afghanistan.
From the time Matthew was just four years old, he knew that he wanted to serve his country. He was an honor roll student and Eagle Scout who went on to a follow his beloved father’s footsteps when he graduate from the Naval Academy and became a Marine.
Before Matthew went to Afghanistan, we proposed to his high school sweet heart.
He was just 29-years-old when he died.
Even though it has been five years since her son gave his life in combat, Matthew’s mother said that the pain that she feels is still so "raw."
It is often said that when you are grieving, it’s best to help someone else in need. Lisa is doing just that. She is taking her mourning and is bringing comfort to other families of fallen heroes. She started the Matthew Freeman Project, “a nonprofit that provides school supplies for children in war-torn countries and gives scholarships to siblings of fallen soldiers” Huffington Post reported.
But for those lonely times, and for those nights full of silent tears, Lisa helps bring healing to loved ones by turning fallen soldier’s uniforms into warm cuddly teddy bears.
Lisa made three bears for Army Spc. Shannon Chihuahua’s nephews. He died while serving his country in Afghanistan. The young boy’s mother and sister to the fallen hero said, “When my kids are grown and older even for me, it’s something that we’ll always have."
Lisa’s teddy bears are called Matthew Bears, named after her son, and a scripture from Matthew 5:4.
Story Credit: Matthew Bears, Matthew Freeman Project Facebook, Hufffington Post