'I Never Stopped Loving You': Boy with Leukemia Hears Late Grandfather’s Voice in Toy Bear

After his grandfather's untimely demise, a young boy couldn't come to terms with his irreparable loss. Seeing her beloved son reeling from the soul-crushing pain, his mom gave him a thoughtful present—a memento that would forever remind him of his dear grandpa.

Jessica Turpin loved her son Ryan with all her heart and soul. As a parent, she couldn't bear the thought of seeing her child in trouble. But as is often the case in life, we can't control our circumstances or rectify situations, despite our best efforts and heartfelt intentions.

In 2018, the Turpin family was devastated when they learned that Ryan had leukemia. Although they were hard hit and immensely crushed, they vowed to shower the youngster with tender love and care and become his support system.

A Comforting Presence

As Ryan continued to fight his battle with cancer, his relatives rallied around him, helping him cope with the pain. Through it all, there was someone whose love and affection meant the world to the boy—grandfather Terry, who Ryan endearingly referred to as "Bubba Lou."

Holding the teddy close to his chest, Ryan erupted into tears, but he was quickly interrupted by his mom.

A Special Connection

Terry and Ryan were so close that one couldn't be without the other. Their unique connection dated back to when Ryan was a baby, and as time passed, they became best friends.

Jessica recalled that when Ryan was an infant, Terry began calling him "Bubba Lou" and continued to do so even as he was growing up. Over time, the little boy's association with the name became so strong that whenever he saw Terry, he would giggle and scream, "Bubba Lou!"

Even after his painstakingly difficult diagnosis, his grandfather's comforting presence and emotional support helped Ryan to keep going and not give up in the face of adversity. Terry was a devoted and caring grandparent who loved being around his grandchildren and bonding with them.

An Irreparable Loss

Terry was so involved in Ryan and his brother's lives that he often took them to outdoor activities, such as sports events. Their adventures continued until, one day in March 2020, the senior citizen tested positive for COVID-19.

Two months later, in May, Terry passed away unexpectedly, leaving his loved ones in pieces. A distraught Jessica had no idea how to share the heartbreaking news with her dear son, who she knew wouldn't be able to handle the soul-piercing loss.

Finally, she plucked up the strength to tell Ryan, and as was expected, he was shattered and didn't know how to handle the pain. The days that followed were particularly hard for the youngster because everything reminded him of his dear grandpa—his best friend and most special human.

A Unique Gift

Seeing Ryan reel from his grandfather's loss was an agonizing sight for Jessica, and she wished to take away at least some of his pain. After much thought, she came up with an idea. Knowing how much her boy loved stuffed teddy bears, she decided to gift him one. But it wasn't just any toy.

Jessica said she reached out to Build-A-Bear and asked them to prepare a customized bear for her dear boy. In a video posted online in September 2020, the Ohio mother presents the unique gift to her son, telling him it looked just like his late grandpa.

Ryan's Reaction upon Hearing Grandpa's Voice

Soon afterward, she showed Ryan the bear's birth certificate, which stated that he was born on May 2, 2020, the same day Bubba Lou died. "And his name is Bubba Lou bear, and he belongs to Ryan, and it's from mommy," continued Jessica.

Holding the teddy close to his chest, Ryan erupted into tears, but he was quickly interrupted by his mom, who told him the bear wanted to say something. As soon as she pressed the stuffed toy's tummy, Ryan heard his beloved grandpa's voice.

Unable to control his emotions, the youngster hugged the bear and expressed, "I am always thinking about you, and I cry because I really miss you. I love you, Grandpa. I never stopped loving you. I never stopped."

Bringing Solace to Her Boy

Jessica explained that she took Terry's old voice messages and fused them to create a special message to help lift Ryan's spirits. Then, she sent the final recording to Build-A-Bear, and it didn't take them long to prepare Bubba Lou Bear for her dear boy.

The thoughtful mother said hearing his late granddad's voice brought solace to her son, who had endured a challenging period, first with his ailing health and then with Terry's unexpected death.

The Online Support

The touching story was picked up by several media outlets and began making rounds online, gaining viral status. Several netizens left comforting and supportive comments for the young boy:

"This is such a touching video. This young man must have loved his grandfather so much! Hope this awesome gift from mom gives him some comfort! GOD bless."

— (@carolyn.wagoner.12) September 19, 2020

"So heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Bubba Lou was truly loved."

— (@donna.buchanansterling) September 19, 2020

"That was hard to watch and yes I am crying for that little boy...bless his heart..to have loved and lost is heartbreaking, but he had a wonderful relationship few people have in their lives. Be strong, Buddy, grandpa will always be in your heart..."

— (@mkavila) September 19, 2020

"So very sad. This little guy has a lot of 'feeling.' But the bear with his grandfathers voice was such a great gift for him. He will never, ever forget him."

— (@100004819510343) September 19, 2020

We're sure Ryan will always keep his Bubba Lou bear close, and it will continue to serve as a sweet reminder of his loving grandfather. Please share your thoughts in the comment section if you liked reading this story.

Click here to read another story about a 94-year-old grandpa who made an impressive recovery from a stroke thanks to his great-grandkids.