Apparently I have given birth 15 times. At least that is what Declan tells people. That he has 14 brothers. Luckily for all of us, he is just expressing his creativity in that old tried and true way: imaginary friends.
They started appearing right after his 4th birthday. Right after he started at the local elementary school for preschool. He had been attending daycare since age 2, but this was full-fledged schoolÂ… with big kids and big halls and big responsibility.
It was clear from the beginning that his imaginary brothers were a way to sort out behaviors he saw at school that he didnÂ’t understand. They did things that Declan would never do. He described situations with such clarity we knew he wasnÂ’t just making them up, he just didnÂ’t know what to make of them.
Only a few of the 14 had names and there has always been one leader of the pack. His name is “Vo.” Where that came from, don’t ask me – but the other ones are a shifting mass whose names change at will. Vo is a constant.
Vo lies. Vo steals. Vo eats cats.
Now, I am seriously hoping that no one at Declan’s school is actually eating felines for lunch, but as each of Vo’s adventures come home, we approach them with aplomb. We talk about why Vo does the things he does. We talk about why we do or don’t do those things in our house. And our talks seem to settle Declan; make him understand the sea of kids he has been thrust into. As an only child, and an “old soul” at that, he seems to need an understanding of why people do the things they do.
And when itÂ’s a disconnected entity such as Vo, I suppose itÂ’s also easier to deal with.
Ever since my father-in-law passed away last Fall, Declan has also been grappling with the concept of death. So, lately Vo has been “dead.” I think it helps Declan get his head around why Pop Pop isn’t with us anymore, and is also sometimes a way to bring up discussion about Pop Pop in general. We are able to talk about how Vo, like Pop Pop, lives on in our heart and how we can bring him back by remembering him, talking about him, and looking at his photographs.
So, Vo is cool in my book. Anyone that helps me explain The Big Things like death to my son earns a special place in my heart. Even if he is a lying, stealing, cat-eater.
Author: Aimee
big Frog
mmmm….cats.
Nancy
Aimee, you are such a gifted writer. Just go ahead and publish your book already!!
Karen
The kid does have imagination. I mean, Vo for a name? And a cool one at that!
Amber
I like your acceptance and explanation of Vo. So many parents FREAK out over imaginary friends. I don’t remember ever having them but I do remember having an active imagination. It is one of things I remember and cherish most about my childhood.
Doodaddy.net
Vo actually sounds pretty cool. I hope he pulls through!
nutmeg
Peter has been living in our pink bedroom for about four years now. He’s such a part of our family, he gets Christmas gifts!
Does Vo also write his name on office furniture?
Aimee
Christmas presents, huh? Great idea!!!
g-man
Is the best thing about having 15 imaginary kids that the imaginary problems with imaginary pregnancy (stretch marks, achy boobs) are only imaginary? Plus you could use that as an excuse for mood swings, “Cant you see I am expecting another imaginary child dammit !?!”
Joni
Loooved your note… and Vo.
Aimee
Ha ha! Excellent point Gman!
And thanks all!
Painted Maypole
a cat eating imaginary friend? who is dead? Hmmm…
My brother had an imaginary monkey, and he would sleep on the floor so the monkey could have the bed. 😉
Catherine Dix
I’ve been trying all weekend long to finish my own post on imaginary friends. It’s intriguing isn’t it?! The names they come up with… the scenarios… the 15 kids… WOW!
Anonymous
Hannah has stewart who we can’t see. and shrimp who we can see. shrimp is a dead worm that lives in our house. she had 15 shrimp(s)?
I wish she had 15 Vo’s. (cute name-and I’m sure if brought to the tangible, Vo would be a lot less creepier than all the dried up worms that live here)
candace
oops! didn’t mean to be anonymous!
I’m candace and happy to claim the comment above. and also to add that this was a great post!
Aimee
A dead worm? That is hilarious Candace!
Aimee
And thanks all!~ 🙂