Podcast #25 - Tammy's Talking Teddy Bear

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Tammy’s Talking Teddy Bear

Tammy Thompson lived in a quaint little village with her parents and younger brother. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a postman.

The Thompson family were not well off, but they were happy. When times were tough, Mrs Thompson would take on a second job at the local bakery so the family had enough money to keep their heads above water.

In the summer of 1969, their lives would change forever. It was a weekend in June when Mr Thompson returned home with a surprise for his children. Tammy’s little brother was given his own pet rabbit, while Tammy was given a brown teddy bear.

Up in her bedroom, Tammy held her Teddy aloft. “You are the most beautiful teddy in the world. I’m going to call you Billy!”

The Teddy Bear looked quizzically at Tammy. He replied, “Billy? But my name’s Teddy.”

Tammy almost jumped out of her skin.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” said Teddy. “Yes, I’m a talking teddy bear but I’m completely harmless.”

It was true, Teddy was harmless. He was also extremely academic, and a gifted teacher. Over the next 10 years he worked with Tammy, helping her win a scholarship to one of England’s most prestigious Universities.

Further examples:

  • My wife wants to live in a big city, but I’m desperate to move to a peaceful, quaint village by the sea.

  • I’m not surprised Harry has a new car, he’s always been very well off. I think his family has a lot of money.

  • Unfortunately times are tough right now, the pandemic has wiped out almost 50% of our business.

  • Rent in London is astronomical! It’s a struggle just to keep your head above water.

  • Leila held the trophy aloft with pride. She had finally won her first golf tournament.

  • Why are you looking at me quizzically, did I not explain it very well?

  • I was so scared I almost jumped out of my skin!

  • Joel is a very gifted singer, I think he’ll be famous one day.

  • Congratulations! I hear you’ve got a job at the most prestigious law firm in New York!