During her family’s recent trip to Walt Disney World, a mother became “desperate” to find a priceless stuffed animal that had gotten lost. Because it contains the ashes of eight-year-old Gabryel Atkinson, the plush elephant named Bruce is unlike any other. Byryel passed away in April 2022.
From the NICU to “every surgery/procedure (over 50) and hospitalization (too many to count),” the toy had been by Gabryel’s side throughout his entire life. Since the boy passed away, the boy’s parents have continued to keep Bruce by their side. But Bruce vanished while the family was visiting Disney World to celebrate Gabryel’s birthday. The family is now pleading with for aid.
Liz Atkinson, a resident of Iowa, posted an emotional message on Facebook pleading with friends, family, and complete strangers to spread the word. The Iowa mother described the trip as “a bit hectic” due to traveling to three cities in Florida and “grief brain.” She added, “I am completely desperate and hoping this blows up and we find our elephant. She explained that their youngest son Sebastyan held on to Bruce on April 24 while the family went parasailing in Cocoa Beach.
The trip becomes hazy in my memory at this point because of emotions and grief. Now that I think about it, I don’t remember Sebastyan bringing him back to our car. She wouldn’t learn that Bruce had successfully gotten off the boat and wasn’t left in the marina’s parking lot until much later. After their stay on the Space Coast, the Atkinsons traveled by car to Walt Disney World. Prior to checking into Disney’s Art of Animation Resort on April 25, they made their way to Disney Springs first, then spent the next night in a hotel in Kissimmee.
Throughout the rest of the trip, Bruce didn’t show up again, but Liz wasn’t too worried about his whereabouts at the time. She was certain that he was present.
“Because cars can get messy while traveling, I kept assuming he might have gotten mixed up (which is very unlike me; I always know where everything is, thank you grief), but on May 1, I searched EVERYWHERE. all bags.
He has left.
She’s gotten in touch with the hotels her family stayed at and filled out a Disney lost-and-found form, and now she’s begging the public for assistance.
“I’m sick and have trouble falling asleep.
I’m in need. The Palazzo or the Orange parking ramp at Disney Springs, according to the family, is where Bruce unintentionally exited the vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to message Liz on Facebook. Help us find Bruce so that the family of this priceless stuffed animal can be reunited. SEE MORE:.
One year after losing her stuffed bear in Glacier National Park, a 6-year-old girl was reunited with it. Her father had been looking for the bear while recording the heartbeat of the girl’s late mother.
Share.