My mother-in-law invited me to go with her to the grocery store. When she arrived to pick me up, I introduced her to my new puppet, Emilou.
“Would you mind if I bring Emilou along for the ride?” I inquired.
“It’ll break up the monotony. There’s never any monotony with you. You never know what you’re gonna do next,” she replied.
We pulled into a parking space.
“Would you mind if we brought her in?”
“Bring her on in,” she grinned. “I’ll still claim you.”
For the next half hour, Emilou’s unusual presence served as a catalyst for numerous encounters and spontaneous conversations, creating a spark in the atmosphere. At one point, a child ran up to her and declared, “You’re a dummy.”
“I’m no dummy,” Emilou countered, as the little girl ran away giggling.
Ironic it was that I just found out from Emilou’s DPOA, that Emilou dropped out of high school because she was teased for being a slow learner and a “cripple.”
How empowering it felt to be a voice in defense of Emilou’s dignity. Imagine if only she could have stood up for herself throughout her life.
And so, Emilou indeed broke up our monotony.
Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience™, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com. You may also signup for our newsletter and receive a free download.
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>It was a delight to meet you and Emilou when you were passing through Olathe. The two of you are a "pair". Brightening lifes on "stage" as well as in "real life" is a great blessing that you share with our world.
You are both appreciated by,
harris deutsch
laughologist and nearly normal counselor
>Thank you so much, Harris. And it was a delight sharing Emilou with you. Thanks for your encouraging words and God bless you as you continue to brighten people's days!