The Elephant Series

People with autism often make an attachment to objects.

They usually can't be seen too far from their object of affection.

It's like a security blanket.

For some reason it makes them feel safe in this crazy world of ours.

I've met people with attachments to spoons, to long, stringy things, and of course to trains.

My boy goes through phases.

One whole day he was attached to a fish stick.

He carried it in his little palm while we ran errands, played outside, and was still there when he fell sleep.

Right now it's an elephant.

He's been going strong since June.

Brian doesn't need to carry him everywhere.  

He is able to go to school and most errands without him.

But when he does have him you can feel a sense of relief wash over him.

When he first sees him at the end of a long day, it's like watching a friendship rekindle.

I enjoy the elephant.  More than the trains.  And much more than the fish stick.

In many religions elephants are revered. 

 In Asia they symbolize strength and wisdom.

Hindu cosmology of Ancient India said that elephants supported and guarded the world.

That makes me happy.

I like the idea of Brian's new friend guarding over him.

And supplying him with strength and wisdom.

And hopefully that rubbing off on me.