Several years ago I remember hearing or watching a program about an experiement conducted with several herds of elephants.
(If I wasn't so lazy, I would search it out and cite it for you, but, alas, I am lazy, so you'll just have to take my word for it . . . or look it up yourself!) Anyway, all adult male elephants were removed from the herd for a period of time to see if the behavior of the remaining elphants changed. The researchers were particularly interested in obvserving what would happen with the young elephants. Well, they quickly found that the young elephants (particularly the adolescent males) began to show signs of aggression and violence towards other members of the herd. The researchers were surprised at how rapidlly this change took place and soon reintroduced the adult males into the herd. The young elephants' behavior returned to normal - generally peaceful and communal. Very interesting, no?
Could this scenario apply to herds of the human variety? Well, our little herd has lost its adult male for
(not quite) two weeks now to a new job, and boy are the young 'uns showing signs of it - especially my boys! Just like the elephants, aggression and violence are up, peace and community are down. If anyone has ever doubted the powerful
positive influence of a dad or father figure, doubt no longer. Luckily, the head of the herd will return this weekend for a few days and hopefully be able to restore a little tranquility before leaving again.
We miss you, Darin! We are looking forward to our herd being together again for good!
6 comments:
Wow-great story and connection. We did enjoy having your father figure at our house for the week end and will be happy when your family is together all the time!
Papa Elephant Hanley has left for a week too, and I'm turning violent and aggressive. What do you think that says about me? (I'm thinking I have the maturity of a baby elephant when it comes to having nobody to share chores with.)
Hope you enjoy his visit home!
A blessing on your whole heard's heads. I hope you and your little elephants enjoy the weekend!
I love how your analogies illustrate exactly what you are going through. Hope you have more peace in your home this weekend.
Love you guys. Being in limbo doesn't help your situation either! Glad you'll have the weekend with the big man elephant. :)
I have heard that same sort scenario with cows too. So interesting. I love that you shared. I also love your post about the brown-eyed susan. Question: how were the plants that were around that lone brown-eyed susan after to you moved it? Are they surviving? Is there hope for me? Sure do love you and will miss you terribly.
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