The Power of Design in Times of Grief

Design has an incredible ability to heal, comfort, and tell meaningful stories. This inspiration delves into creating a crocheted bear, a project not just meant to be a toy but a comforting companion for children who have lost a parent. This thoughtful design showcases how intentional crafting can turn grief into a beautiful gift of love and support.

Channeling Grief into Creativity

The journey of designing CraiggerBear began with a profound loss. When my beloved husband, Craig Goodman, passed away, I was enveloped in grief. To cope, I turned to my craft, hoping to find solace in creating something meaningful. The inspiration for CraiggerBear came from a touching moment at the hospice. A compassionate nurse handed each of my children a bear, saying, “These are what your daddy left you.”

Those bears brought immense comfort to my children. They hugged them tightly whenever they missed their daddy and slept with them every night. Sometimes, I would feel the wetness on the bears, knowing they had cried themselves to sleep, finding solace in those soft, comforting toys.

One night, as I watched my children clutch their bears, I couldn’t stop thinking about other children who had lost a parent. I wondered if they had something to hold onto that could provide the same comfort my children found in their bears. And then it struck me — what if I could create a bear that could bring comfort to these children, just like my children had experienced?

Craig had always believed in the power of a hug, the simple act of holding someone close. This bear would embody that belief. It would be a hug in a physical form, a companion for children experiencing the same pain of loss. The bear would become a tangible expression of empathy and care, offering a small measure of solace to those navigating the difficult journey of grief.

I dedicated myself to designing CraiggerBear, guided by thoughtful design principles. I crafted it with soft, rounded shapes to evoke warmth and safety, ensuring the gentle curves and proportions would make CraiggerBear inviting and comforting to hold. I selected soft, hypoallergenic yarn to be gentle against a child’s skin. The size of CraiggerBear was carefully chosen to be perfect for a child to hug and carry, with a reassuring heft that simulates the comforting presence of a loved one. Each bear was lovingly stuffed to be both soft and resilient, ready to be squished, hugged, and loved without losing its shape. And every CraiggerBear comes with a small note:

“This bear is made with love and the hope of bringing you comfort. It was created in memory of a wonderful man who believed in the power of a hug. May it bring you peace and a sense of warmth whenever you need it most.”

This note connects the recipient with the CraiggerBear’s story, making the gift even more meaningful.

The mission behind CraiggerBear extends beyond individual comfort. Each Craiggerbear is created to comfort children who have recently lost a parent, ensuring that every stitch carries a deeper purpose, transforming the bear into a symbol of hope and empathy.

Craig passed away due to a brain tumor. The stitches on the CraiggerBear’s head symbolize the scars from his surgeries, while the heart shape represents his signature way of writing “heart.”

A Design with a Heartfelt Story

Design, in its many forms, has the power to heal, tell stories, and make a meaningful impact on the world. The crocheted CraiggerBear is more than just a toy; it is a testament to the therapeutic power of design, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound connections that can be forged through mission-driven creativity.

In remembering a loved one and extending that love to others, the bear serves as a poignant reminder that even in our darkest times, we can find ways to bring light and comfort to those who need it most. This CraiggerBear project exemplifies how thoughtful design can transcend its physical form to touch hearts and bring solace, illustrating the incredible potential of design to change lives.