The ministry of Barrett’s Bears was founded by Natalie and Walker Boggs, whose son, Barrett Anthony Boggs, went to be with Jesus on September 25, 2018, when he was just 4 months and 17 days old. On that very day, God put a rainbow in the sky, reminding them of the Hope of Heaven and the promises to come. Shortly after Barrett’s passing, the family was gifted their "Barrett Bear" by a friend. It has a shirt with his name on it in memory of his life. Their bear has been a constant reminder to them, and to their other children, that Barrett is still very much a part of their lives and their story. Their mission is to comfort other families in the same way they have been comforted through the love of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:4).

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

Note From Natalie, Barrett’s mother:

Shortly after his passing, our family was gifted a teddy bear with Barrett’s name on it in his memory. This bear, which we named “Barrett Bear”, has given me and my family much comfort. We all cling to something—a memory, a piece of clothing, a toy, a picture, a gift, whatever it might be—to keep us stay connected to the memory of our loved ones who have gone before us. It meant so much to my heart to be gifted our bear specifically made for our Barrett. We use our “Barrett Bear” in all of our important family pictures as a reminder that we have another family member that’s missing in the photo. In memory of his life. A reminder that he is not lost to us, but only waiting in Eternity with our Heavenly Father.

There is nothing in this world that can replace or fill the void of your child not being in your arms any longer. However, I am living proof that a kind and simple gesture in the form of a teddy bear can be a source a light in unimaginable darkness. A comfort in heartache and a reminder of the greatest truth--that Jesus will see us through with His grace and that Heaven is a promise to come!

After 2 years of Barrett being in Heaven, the Lord so heavily weighed on my heart that it was time to continue using our story for His glory, but in a different and new way. As I was holding the bear one day, it hit me. God showed me a glimpse of what we could do to help spread hope to those grieving the loss of their baby. Thus, “Barrett’s Bears” was born.

1 Week of June Summer Camp