The things they do for love

Things are not always rosy for Tatty Teddy or Mickey and Minnie as it can sometimes get dangerous standing on the road attempting to spread cheer and love to motorists.

“Yesterday someone ran over my foot but luckily I had plenty of padding and wasn’t harmed,” the big Me To You bear, who has become a popular sight along Ta’ Xbiex Seafront in Msida, said yesterday. Because his job meant he had to be on the road waving at motorists, there were occasional accidents like the foot incident but, luckily, nothing worse happened.

Surrounded by roses, red hearts, flowers and a pretty girl on stilts, Tatty Teddy jumped up and down animatedly, waving and blowing kisses to people in passing cars.

A little girl bounced excitedly in the back seat of a car as her father drove by the bear, who turned and did a little jig for his young admirer.

In the meantime, men and women walked in and out of the Msida shop, buying last-minute gifts for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

In St Anne’s Street, Floriana, the bear’s concerns were echoed by Mickey and Minnie whose day job left them missing motorists’ hits by a whisker.

“Sometimes people try to give you a fright by driving up to you, thinking you’ll move back. But as soon as they realise you’re not moving, they swerve quickly,” Mickey said.

All in all, however, life is good for the giant soft toys as all three characters admitted to loving their job and the attention it brought them.

“It’s wonderful! People love you and wish you a good day. They smile, wave and sometimes come and hug you, especially children; they’re so cute,” the teddy said.

Although Tatty Teddy’s favourite thing in the world is brightening people’s day, he does not have that special someone to share it with. So this Valentine’s Day he spent the day on the road, adding a touch of magic to all the lovers who passed by the store.

Luckier in love, Mickey and Minnie said they had planned to go to a luxurious restaurant and spend some quality time together, after a busy day dodging motorists on the road.