A Story From Darker Days
During Ellie’s darkest days of the past few months, she said some really strange things. Before we knew about the things she was hearing at school, we had no idea what was prompting such horrible thoughts. Sometimes she’d pop out a one-liner, like “Whenever I have to go to the bathroom it feels like I have a stick in my crotch.” (Um, yeah, does that make you worry about the same thing we did?)
Occasionally she’d sit there, staring into space, and tell us a longer story. Often this was in bed, and she’d be imagining something like getting hit by a car, or being trapped in a house that was on fire. It was always very detailed, and was pretty scary stuff for a 5 year-old to be thinking about in bed.
I’m not sure what made this particular story grab me, but it was the only one I wrote down. We’d been sitting in our sunroom watching people walk by when a man went by walking his Golden Retriever. Ellie stared out the window for a while and, without looking away, said:
I’m imagining that man put the dog in a machine to cut his hair, but instead it cut the dog. The man didn’t know, and when the dog came out it was like a puzzle and the man laughed at it. Then the man ran over the dog with his car. Before he got run over, the dog yelled at the man and said, “WOOF” because he was mad.
Ellie’s psychologist told us that Ellie’s next appointment will be her last, and she’ll need to say goodbye. I know Ellie is going to be heartbroken, and I will be forever grateful to the doctor for how she helped all of us through a horrible time. Ellie is continuing to do well, and her ups and downs now seem more normal for the 5 year-old crowd.
Based on my writing frequency, I probably won’t post until Christmas. Heck, it might not even be that soon. So anyway, Happy Holidays and I hope you’re doing well!
Really makes you wonder about that teacher – holy crazy lady! But so glad to hear that she’s been doing better – and staying that way!
Happy Holidays!
Wow…that’s some really messed-up stuff. i’m so glad you got such a great therapist and got rid of that teacher!
Another SAHD here. Daughter 2 and 2/3, son 1. Found your blog through A Vapid Blonde. The story above made me go back and read through some of your old posts. Congrats on getting through the worst of your little girl’s troubles. She sounds very smart and creative and funny. Really like your blog.
That stick thing…would totally make me creeped out!