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| Stuffed Animals When We Could Not Be By His Side by Blake Rackley, Psy.D.
Some of these little ones held tight to lines, while others stood as support to pipes and tubing, holding them so that water would flow correctly. Some, though a job that was bittersweet, were commissioned to restrain their charge’s movements in case he roused from his sleep. They were closest to him, but ready to hold their master back. Few were simply spectators, though seemingly anxious, awaiting their turn to serve. One or two had been retired, wounds too crimson to remain on the white battlefield. I can’t explain why my thoughts lingered so on all of these seemingly insignificant creatures. None were animated or sentient. None could verbalize the condition of their little master. To me, each creature, each animal was doing more than I could have ever done for him. They stood proud by the one they served. They waited patiently for recovery, without complaint or fear. I took comfort in their peace, while continuing to harbor my fear for what could come. Jon Michael may never know how precious these little soldiers were. He may never understand the countless hours they spent watching over him. He may never realize that those little animals represented our desire to love him when we could not be by his side. Though I’m an adult whose mind is filled with much reality and little fantasy, I’ve come to appreciate all the stuffed animals in the world that bring comfort, calm fears, and love their little charges. Each little bear or doll represents the love that their parents yearn to give them. Each lion or puppy symbolizes parents’ desire to soothe hurts and take away pain from their children. Though silly and absurd to say or think, I hope to one day aspire to have the same character of those who stood guard over my little boy. Blake Rackley, Psy.D., is an assistant professor of psychology at Emmanuel College. Dr. Rackley also works at a private practice specializing in children and adolescents. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Elizabeth, and his one-year-old little boy, Jon Michael. What are some of the ways that you bring comfort to your little ones? | Top | Share Your Thoughts... Tuesday, December 09, 2008 05:23:35 PM
Blake wrote... I think it should be explained that my son, Jon Michael, in the above story went through open-heart surgery at two weeks old. He was born with a two congenital heart defects, which if gone uncorrected would have taken his little life. The above story came during a time where we waited around his hospital bed, praying that he would pull through. Our little fighter, the prince in the story has been valiant! He made it through and has a scar to prove it. Those little stuffed animals helped me to see God's unfailing love and comfort during a time of dread. To read the full story of Jon Michael and see the picture that inspired the above story, you can go to the following website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/babyjonmichael |
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Whether it was the heat lamp giving off warmth and an amber glow, or a combination of monitors and dimmed fluorescent lights, for little to no stimulation, it seemed that the little animals around the bed were standing as sentinels, ready to give aid. They seemed poised, at attention, waiting with anticipation to serve and help the little prince who lay asleep, unaware of their presence. None of the little animals could know that they gave assistance not only to their small charge, but their charge’s parent, who stood in awe of their dedication.
