A Funny Little Story: Full Circle

We sincerely love Elijah.  Not a day goes by he does not endear himself to us, as well as to those on social media.  He's the sweetest duck, the funniest duck, and the best all around duck.  We might be just a bit smitten.  Well, except maybe the cats or Lilly when he chases their tails.  Or Noah, but he's a teenager, so it takes a lot to impress him...

Elijah has also proven he is most definitely a spoiled house duck--certainly not created for outdoor living! I'm not kidding.  Avery usually has to snuggle him up in a blanket or a towel, fresh from the dryer, in order to dry him off faster, and warm him up faster.  Again, I'm not kidding. When the boys return to the house to dry off after water play, and he's left outdoors alone to dry off, we frequently hear, "dink dink dink" on the glass door, and there's Elijah, tapping on the door with his beak to be let it. We open the door, and His Majesty walks right in the house.  He loves his belly rubs, and he receives more foot rubs than I do, too.

Elijah also knows his way around the kitchen, and knows who is the easiest to sucker into the best treats (Hi, Mom! Although, Dad is also pretty fun with food!).  I have heard Shawn mutter on occasion, "You know, when most people say they have spoiled duck in their kitchen, THIS IS NOT what they mean!"  Have I mentioned what a saint my husband is?

This duck also rides around in style in his own stroller, now (Shawn wishes I were kidding....).  Both Elijah and Avery enjoy the freedom of being able to leave the yard together, and Avery is hoping to test the stroller and a few store rules.

A few weeks ago, I was reminded of being around Avery's age and desperately trying to convince my parents to let me have a duck.  I'd actually forgotten about it.  I told Avery about it, but not what I know now as an adult about the psychology behind it.

I had it all planned out in my head, and if I remember correctly, I even drew it out on paper.  We had a rather large yard, but also a rather maniacal dog, so my plans included a fenced in area for my duck (a mallard!), and a kiddy pool for him.  My mother's answer was an unequivocal, "NO."  But, I was determined.  I was no doubt honing the skills I use on Shawn now (haha), so I'm certain I did not give up (I was also a bit of an obsessive child)!  I could take care of this duck (never mind Virginia winters, or that he would need a companion, or anything that I know now--I was a very naive child), I wanted this duck.  I have no idea how long I hounded my parents.  I'm sure to them it was forever!!  In the end, the answer was still--NO.

It's so funny to me how it's come full circle, and I now have a mallard duck--living in my home, a full fledged family member!  God answers prayers.... It might take 32 years, but He answers them!

Knowing what I do now as an adult, I know I was searching for a way to try to connect with my father, who collected wood carvings of ducks, and I thought--as a child--liked ducks.  If I had a live one, I could actually connect with an emotionally absent father, right?  He would love me, and pay attention to me, right?

Avery loved that story, and will frequently tell me he's sharing Elijah with me, because, "Mom, you didn't get to have a duck when you were a kid."

Now, this sweet little duck is a way for me to connect with my son.

He's not just a duck.

Elijah is therapy.  He is couples therapy.  He is individual therapy.  He is family therapy.

Elijah is love.

Elijah is all of that and more.