What object would you never want to lose? Our treasured possessions are often an expression, sometimes an extension, of our very selves …
THE GLOSS is proud to partner with Ireland’s National Autism Charity, AsIAm, to bring you stories of people’s most treasured possessions – from Colin Farrell and Sebastian Barry to Rachael Blackmore and Mairead McGuinness – and many more.
This month, Lynn Ruane – who has served as a Senator and deputy leader of the Civil Engagement Group in Seanad Éireann since 2016, championing causes close to her heart including human rights, social justice and the empowerment of the marginalised through her podcast Conversations on the Margins – tells us about a teddy from childhood that holds sentimental value.
“The object I have chosen is a panda bear cuddly toy that I have had since I was four years old. His eyes are gone and he lost stuffing at some stage, so he is now stuffed with a t-shirt from the 1990 World Cup!”
I got him after a very stressful and upsetting incident in playschool. My mother had allowed me to bring in my golden bear at that time, which looked a little like Sooty. He somehow disappeared and I was so distraught. I was so upset that my Ma collected me and took me home. She brought me up to her room where she had a chest of drawers that contained a hidden drawer at the top and inside was the panda bear. I call him Baby Panda because I now also have the mother and father that my parents later bought me!
“This is the one thing I’ve held on to my entire life. He is battered but he represents my childhood and my loving parents. He also reminds me of a point in time when I was safe, innocent and protected.”
AsIAm, founded by Adam Harris in 2014, has a vision for Ireland as a place where every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support and special interest groups for children and adults with autism. AsIAm provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. The charity operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email (support@asIam.ie).
To find out more: www.asiam.ie
To donate: www.asiam.ie/support-our-work/donate/
Photography: Conor Healy, Picture It Photography
SEE MORE: AsIAm: Professor Mary Horgan Shares A Treasured Object
