A parenting story from almost 30 years ago.

My wife told me about something her dad did when she was young: in the car, knowing they were approaching an exit on the highway, he’d say to himself, but loud enough for his daughters in the back to hear, “If only I could find exit 10...” The girls would look out the window and soon spot the very sign he needed! “There it is Dad, we found it!” I liked it, it was clever and sweet.

When my son Max was six or so, we were headed into Boston to visit the big FAO Schwarz toy store that used to be on Boylston St. They had a large bronze statue of a teddy bear on the corner in front of the store. It must have been 10 or 12 feet tall. I wanted to try my father-in-law’s technique with it.

Max had always been observant, competent and confident. The kind of kid who could quickly tell you if a piece was missing from a Lego kit. I figured he’d be the perfect target for this.

We got off the T (the subway if you aren’t from Boston), and had to walk a bit. When we were a half block from the store, I could clearly see the bear up ahead. I said, “If only I could find that bear statue...”

Max responded, “Oh Dad, I knew you didn’t know where it was!”

•    •    •

The store closed in 2004 and the bear was removed. I thought it was gone for good. But on a walk a few weeks ago, I happened upon it outside the Tufts Children’s Hospital.

Now I definitely know where it is: