Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I have a collection of carved elephants from over the years that fascinate my grandchildren. I read this week that elephants, of all mammals, seem to experience the longest and deepest grief of all non-humans. Perhaps that is part of their attraction. When I was in India, and saw an elephant along the road for the first time, it was an epiphany. I somehow have this heart connection. I've been following elephant posts on Instagram, and delight in them. Many years ago, when my oldest two kids got married within three months of each other, I made a quilt to celebrate each of the marriages. I sewed one with horses for my son and his wife and one with elephants for my daughter and her husband. My daughter later protested that she didn't like elephants, it was ME who did, and I realized she had wanted horses herself. Both she and my daughter-in-law had owned horses, ridden for many years and competed in horse shows. She was right, I was unconsciously projecting my love and admiration for elephants, their steadfast attachment to family and their loyalty onto my wishes for my daughter's marriage. She taught me a lesson. But elephants have been teaching me about grief, and not letting go before experiencing that emotion fully. I am grateful.