We recently watched the documentary Being Elmo, which was absolutely superb. It’s about Kevin Clash, the somewhat unlikely puppeteer who made Elmo a worldwide sensation. Someone in the movie said, “When a puppet is true, and good, and meaningful— that’s the soul of the puppeteer you’re seeing.”
I used to think that Elmo was annoying— because I hadn’t experienced Elmo with my kids. My perception has completely changed. Now I’m a BIG Elmo fan! You should see Sonya. She lights up when Elmo appears! (He tremendously helped with Sonya’s potty training).
So I finally understand why Elmo touches so many people’s hearts. Whoopi Goldberg provided a key insight in the movie: “The thing that people love about Elmo is he needs them.”
That statement really resonated with me. It made me more aware of how I could emphasize to Sonya and Leena how MUCH I need them each and every day. I’ve noticed that both girls feel so happy, so proud, so important when they’re empowered to help or give back. I’ve been watching and learning from Elmo.
Sonya let Daddy take Elmo on his trip. I think Drex’s embodiment of Elmo would make Kevin Clash very proud. The way Drex handles Elmo represents the respect, compassion, and love that abides in his soul. All the way from Dublin, Drex is able to convey something profound through a five-inch-tall furry red monster.
One of the best moments from today was watching Elmo roll an apple across the bed so he could have a healthy snack.
we had the elmo potty training DVD, sadly it didn’t hold up to O’s vigorous use & attempts to load it into our DVD player.
dear tukai,
it took you this long to understand elmo. I knew big bird and ernie helped you when baba was away. when we went anywhere ernie was tucked underneath your arm. i hope now you can forgive your ma for washing ernie so much.
ma
Thank you for this eye-opener!
I never tell my kids i need them. I do express to them that the family would not be complete without them and want them to know that they are an import part of our family structure. But to actually tell them the words, “you are needed”, Never.
By reading your post i remember how much i needed to hear those words as a child/adolescent.
There is a difference between telling your child that they are very loved vs very needed. Both are important. thank you for the reminder.
Keep up with your posts, i might not comment always, but i usually walk away enlightened.
Have a good day.
Maggie
P.S. we still have to plan that play-date :)
Maggie,
Thank YOU for your sweet comment. I appreciate the encouragement. Having children, young children, forced me to reflect on how and why I do things in certain ways. I’ve learned a lot about the impact my words and actions can have. I continue to reflect, listen, and evolve. And yes, we need a play date. Sooner rather than later. What works for you? We have family coming into town next week, so our schedule is hectic, but after that…
I used to not be a fan of Elmo either. But there is something about him that my kids did and do go crazy over!