This is Mr. Teddy and hes on a trip going around the world. I know, whats a grown man doing making a post about teddy bears. Well, this little guy is important to me. Its my son Zachs favorite teddy bear.
I often have to travel for months at a time away from home and my son always makes sure one of his teddy bears goes with me to make sure im ok and to keep me company when I'm feeling sad. He's six but he knows that its really hard for me to be away from my home and family for so long and so far. My journeys usually take me from our home in the outback of australia all the way to rural south carolina 10,500 miles away.
Mr Teddy enjoying his first time in the snow.
Its hard to describe the loneliness I feel being that far away from my fiance 
Right now with coronavirus the boarders of Australia are locked down and being an American I have to wait a few months longer until I can return home to my fiance and son. A trip that was only supposed to be just a few weeks to visit my parents has turned into months. And its hard. Especially when during Skype sessions my son asks "dad, when are you coming back? In two sleeps?"
One of the things I like to do is take photos of my sons teddy bears as I travel so he can see where in the world they are at that moment.
Mr. Teddy is a world class traveler and has lots of stories to tell Zach when he gets home. He's been to Brisbane, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Atlanta and South Carolina. In the past I've taken my sons other teddys with me and they too have lots to talk about. Mr Gorilla can tell Zach all about Fiji. And Mr Penguin can talk about Washington DC. Mr. Koala told him about flying in a plane and about his trip to the lake. And Mr. Turtle can tell about the horrors of barkley the black Labrador who frequently would abduct him and run through the house with him in his mouth.
Whenever I look at Mr Teddy I get instant flashbacks of all the times I would check up on zach at night and find him serenely sleeping with him tucked under his arm. Mr. Teddy has been with him since he was a baby. I mean Mr teddy is Zacks bet buddy. So I feel honored he chose to give him to me to take on my last trip away from home. Right now Mr Teddy stays by my side at bedtime and sometimes even under my arm too.
Heres Mr. Teddy in Honolulu. Just out that window moments earlier he got to watch Aloha Sentinel, a flight of F-35s and a lone F-22 Raptor take off. I'm not sure whos more excited me or him. Judging by the photo I think me.
Mr Teddy bummed about the rain in Brisbane.
Mr. Koala and Mr. Gorilla like Fiji. I think Mr Koala more so.
Mr. Gorilla was more interested in what was for dinner and eyeing the food court behind me.
If you ever see some guy taking selfies with teddy bears at the airport it's probably me. I'm not crazy I promise.
Although I talk to my son several times a week, I often wish I could do more to be as present as possible given the coronavirus situation. Luckily Zach is a pretty tough kids and is happy as can be right now, which makes me feel better about things.
Besides I know my son is holding down the fort at home right now. I mean just look at this picture! He stays ever vigilant and ready to defend mum and the house.
I'll be home soon Zach! Love you to the moon and back! You take care of your mum for me ok.
All photos by hidave