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q.D.paToOtieS
This is a sad story for me anyway. I'm sitting here waiting for a phone call from the Airlines as they have LOST my husband's luggage. Not much of value I guess most can be replaced except for one thing, a bear we called Bubba whose real name is Billy Ray. Billy Ray is a member Bubba family. He was originally designed by a bear artist named Gae Sharp for Boyds in the early 1990's and was retired in 1997. One thing that makes him extra special is the additional joints he had in both his neck and face so he could take on a variety of poses. He wasn't a very expensive bear and on the secondary market is worth about $50 so I've been told. I value him at much more than that though as he's the first gift I gave my husband back when we were dating in 1995. At first he thought I was nuts, but then after seeing how much I loved bears he knew it was an expression of just that...love. So Bubba went with him on all his work related trips, hiding out in his suitcase and being photographed all over the world from Hawaii, to Antiqua, and even to Thule, Greenland. He hadn't traveled in a couple of years so Bubba retired to the luxurious life of being my muse and became the one of the main characters in a series of stories that I photographed and wrote in the spirit of "The Lonely Doll Series." He was the bear sidekick of a Gotz Sasha Doll named Wibke (see photo above). The series of stories written in diary form was so popular that I was asked by the "Friends of Sasha" collectors to write a special story just for the program they hand out at their yearly convention. So, when my husband informed me that he would be going on travel last Friday, we both immediately thought that Bubba should go too. He dressed for the occasion in a duffle coat borrowed from Muffy Vanderbear and his ever present vintage red rubber boots. For some current pictures of him on the trip as well as images of the Airports he may be roaming around, you can visit my Blog (http://twincubs.blogspot.com).
Anyway, I'm thoroughly cheesed at the airline because this was the second problem they had with his luggage. The first problem was that they were doing a random spot check of luggage on the airline and accidentally spun the lock on his suitcase which, duh, locked it. So they had to call him to open it so they could do the check. I was amazed that they do this on such a short flight (this was from Dulles to O'Hare) but security I guess has changed a lot.
I know I could just buy another Bubba on E-bay but it's just not the same, you know what I mean? I'm putting out an APB "All Points Bear!"
P.S. This is why I don't go cross country to bear shows as I always have a sinking feeling they're going to lose my bears!!!
Bine-TeddiesOh no, Bubba is all alone in unknown places. 
Have faith Lisa, statistics say that most lost luggage turns up again sooner or later. I hope it will be sooner. A domestic flight no less. How hard can it be to find? I hope Bubba will be back with you in a few hours.
Storytime BearsThis is really sad, I hope Bubba finds his way home, if it helps any , my niece came here for a visit and her luggage was lost for almost the whole week she was her, but they did find it, I will keep my fingers crossed you have the same happy ending. :pray:
:hug:
Jodi
Waggle BearsOn, Lisa, I'm so sorry your Bubba has been lost, but what a great background story of how he became so important to you and a world traveler at that. I can certainly understand your feeling of loss and sadness. I hope he's found soon and returned to you. And when he's returned, maybe your husband could take him in a carry-on bag so Bubba can continue to travel the world in safety.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Marlys
LuxembearsAh Lisa, that is a sad story. I certainly understand that it just wouldn't be the same to replace him. Keep your fingers crossed that he will show up. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Charlotte Des Roches Designs Bubba Please hurry home...!!!!
Hugs &
Posts: 3,540
Certainly keeping my fingers crossed that Bubba will be found safe and sound. I'm afraid lost luggage is a part of flying, and its not just from 9/11. My dad worked in the airline industry, and it was amazing the stuff that was lost in transit, even for short flights!
Past Time BearsHopes and wishes headed your way that Bubba is found soon (and your hubby's luggage too, of course). Love the story of how he has come to be such an important part of your family. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Bears by Jodi
WienLisa, Bubba just sent me a telex- he´ll be home soon!
:hug: Gaby 
q.D.paToOtieSWell, we called the airline this morning and spoke to someone who unfortunately didn't speak English very well. They said they are looking for it but haven't found it as of yet. I'm really bummed.
Thanks for the positive thoughts though that he'll be home soon. Maybe tomorrow...
Posts: 2,203That would break my heart. I hope he finds his way home.
How I know the story of lost luggage and broken into luggage, hope it all works out for you in the end.
Lynette
Oh no, that's awful I hope you find Bubba soon!
q.D.paToOtieSThanks so much to everyone. I just posted an update. He's BACK!!!
Waggle Bears:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
WooHoo! Bubba's back! Great news. Boy, I bet he's relieved to be home. He'll demand first class the next time he flies.
:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Bears by Jodi
