Our chaplain has a sense of humor. We arrived at work yesterday morning to encounter a large stuffed giraffe leaning against the elevator door. “What’s with the giraffe?” I asked.
“That giraffe is definitely going through something,” the chaplain deadpanned. “We should give him some space.” We took the stairs.
The giraffe belonged to a patient who we all adored. The patient died after several weeks at the unit, leaving behind a grieving family of humans and a dozen or more stuffed animals, who are also grieving, for all I know.
It is, in fact, common for dying patients to share their beds with stuffed animals and other comfort objects. Sometimes the item is a gift from a beloved child, which serves as a meaningful connection for both parties. Other times, a friend or family member has selected a favorite animal of the patient, or perhaps a replica of a pet from whom the patient is now separated. Most touching of all is when a toy from the patient’s childhood appears in the bed. This occurred with an elderly man I cared for, whose daughter happened upon a bear that her father had saved for more than 60 years. Like the velveteen rabbit, this bear’s fur and other features had been loved to tatters. But the bear still commanded the power to calm this man’s respirations.
Blankets, dolls and stuffed animals are pieces of cloth that can have meaning and power over the course of our lives. These “transitional objects,” like Linus’ blanket in the comic strip Peanuts, provide security during times of stress. Transitional objects are comforting when we are separated from our preferred people and environments. They represent stability and a reminder of family ties. In the midst of pain and pending loss, they make things a little easier to bear, excuse the pun.
Back to the giraffe. It turns out he was awaiting an antiseptic bath from our housekeeping staff, prior to reassignment in our children’s area. Given the comfort this giraffe gave to his person, I hope he feels better soon.
Questions? Comments? We’d love to hear from you!
