donderdag 6 juni 2013

Thursday Show and Tell

When I was 15 I discovered I owned some elephant figurines, and I decide to collect them. Now I own a lot of them, and I'm not active anymore in collecting them. But sometimes someone gives me one as a gift. I show you two of them.







The one above was given to me by my boyfriend in 1981, bought when he was visiting Israel. Not a country known for his elephants, but he sure did find a beautiful one. Though we lost track of each other long ago, I still cherish this elephant very much. It's very dear to my heart, a memory of a kind of an easy time. Much laughter and joy those days. Only responsible for my own life

And now the other elephant I want to show..







An elephant made especially for me, given to me about a year ago by the red haired boy who appeared too in my post about pentecost. A special boy we say nowadays, he has been diagnosed with something in the autistic spectrum. I always forget what, and I don't care. He is a very busy child, so much uncontroled energy. We always had a kind of special way of interacting. When he was little he never did give a kiss when he left after playing or so, like his older brother did. It became a little play,  his older brother gave me a kiss, he saw that and ran away, always. And than the oldest returned and gave me another kiss, for his brother.
And now this boy made an elephant for me, because he knew I did collect them. And he himself sought a place for this elephant in the showcase filled with elephants. And when he visits he looks at it and is content.
So this elephant is dear to me too, a memory too.

Ah, my boys half brothers are also dear to my heart.

11 opmerkingen:

  1. They are fantastic, as the people who have donated them to you. Beautiful also your story and the tenderness that shines through your words.

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  2. The the elephant! Children on the autistic spectrum bring there own little bit of specialness to all they meet. They have their own take on life and often this can get you to think about your own approach to life too. There's a lot they can teach us! :) x

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    Reacties
    1. I have a daughter on the autistic spectrum, I completely understand the daily challenges! Wishing you and your family good things! :) xxx

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    2. Thank you, and wish you the same. Hope your daughter will do well, and hope she is happy. You don't often hear about girls, most times ''they" äre boys. G's son is 25 now, and on the moment he's living on his own, well, kind of, there still is professional support available. groetjes, Gerda

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  3. Your second elephant made me smile as soon as I saw it. I loved reading the stories behind your treasured possessions.
    Sarah x

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  4. My Dutch husband went to high school in your city. He recognized your photos of the high water. You might enjoy my Wetcreek Blog at www.wetcreek.blogspot.com, since we spend a couple of months each year in another Dutch city along the Ijssel River (Hanzestad). I lived near Leiden from 1979-2006, but we now live in Louisiana. I write about both The Netherlands and the US in my Wetcreek Blog and Wetcreek Museum Blog. Aunt Linda

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  5. Thanks for the comment on one of my posts...Your comment didn't come in the usual way either. I just accidently came upon your comment. Hopefully this comes through to you.

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  6. Mooie post Gerda.
    Leuk om ook je fotoreportage van de Wiersse te zien, het is lang geleden dat ik daar ben geweest.
    Lieve groet,

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  7. So different elephants and such different memories...bringing very different feelings in you. What treasures! Joan

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  8. I hope all is well with you and family...

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