Meet Adelle. At two and a half she is a bright light in our lives that is a daily reminder of how magical the world can be if seen through the eyes of a child. I titled this post "Somebunny to Love" because I felt compelled to write about the very special and painfully adorable bond that Adelle has formed with the stuffed rabbit pictured above. His name is Chocolate Rabbit and he is a confirmed member of the Wright family. He eats at the dinner table, takes stroller rides, plays outside, and is deeply LOVED and cherished by Adelle. There is no greater sound to a reading teacher than the muffled whispers of her own child contently snuggled in a corner "reading" her favorite books to her Chocolate Rabbit. And of course we all try our best to engage in Adelle's fantasies to encourage her to care for and consider the feelings and needs of others. I find myself saying things like, "Oh, would Chocolate Rabbit like a cracker?" and "We'll put chocolate rabbit up here so he can see the fireworks too." I think in a busy world it is easy to look at Adelle's relationship with Chocolate Rabbit as cute and nothing more. Come to find out these types of attachments are actually very important indications of healthy emotional development in a child. I am currently reading Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook by Susan Usha Dermond. In chapter four the author states that, "Pets, stuffies, or elves and fairies; think of them not merely as child's play but as important opportunities for developing a child's heart-capacity to love." In simpler terms, as stated by my grandmother, "You know Dana the way she is with that rabbit means that she knows what love is." How true. A two year old can see love for what it really is: compassion and commitment to something other than oneself. Hmmm, how thought provoking and troubling that on so many occasions adults get this "love thing" all wrong when a two year old can only get it right.
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