Friday, July 26, 2013

Trading one imaginary friend for another

Mac has always had imaginary playmates.  Beginning around 18months he saw imaginary animals everywhere.  Generally they were pumas, but he also saw leopards, bengal tigers, and other wild animals in our house or out the window of the car.  He never saw normal animals like dogs or cats or even a bear or elephant.  It was always exotic.

Around 2.5yrs old, Mac introduced us to John and Ran – his imaginary friends.  In the past 3-6 months there has been less and less talk of John and Ran.  He rarely brings them up, but heaven forbid you ask if they are still around. He looks at you like you are asking if Coe is still around and quickly tells you, “yes!”  I therefore quit asking about them.  Its easier that way. 

About three months ago Copeland started telling me about the man in the light. I have a floor lamp in between his bed and the rocking chair that is on a dimmer.  I use it as his nightlight.  At night I turn the light way down, and we rock and sing songs.  Coe looks under the lamp shade to see “that man” and asks if I can see him too.  Trust me I have looked and looked to try to figure out what he is looking at that even closely resembles a person.  I can’t see anything!  About two weeks ago I asked if the man had a name.  He quickly said, “Yes, Jane.”  Jane?  “Yes mommy, Jane.”  He prays for Jane almost every night when we say prayers.  He always starts with Mac, followed by himself.  Then Finnie, mommy and daddy.  Before “Jane” had a name, mommy and daddy would be followed by various family members, his paci and B, and often the books on his nightstand.  Now we are followed by Jane.  Jane is as high on Coe’s prayer list as his grandparents. 

Just when I thought I was getting rid of John and Ran, along comes Jane.  Embrace what you cannot change, so welcome to the family, Jane!  

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