The imaginary hunt

Ane has an imaginary friend named Laura. Ever since I introduced her to the Laura Ingalls Wilder books last summer (after our visit to Mansfield, MO), she has been enthralled with the stories. It also serves as a nice counterbalance to her Princess obsession (you know, playing pioneer girl is almost as compelling as playing princesses, but the princesses have better clothes). Sometimes, imaginary Laura comes with an imaginary Mary (I bet you never saw that coming), and this has kept Ane occupied for hours on end. In fact, Ane has told me that she would really like to go to Wisconsin (forget Disneyland!) to see the Little House in the Big Woods – at least, the replica that exists.

Anyway, a few days ago, Ane came to me in a panic. “Mommy, I can’t find Laura!” she shrieked.

“Isn’t she in your room?” I asked, calmly and rationally. I was making dinner and trying to keep Tad from tearing apart the kitchen, so my attention was a smidge divided.

“No, she’s not, Mommy! You have to help me find her!” Ane cried.

Oh, great. I have to try and find an imaginary friend.

So, as I continued to make dinner and keep Tad from licking every container in the Tupperware drawer, I suggested places to look. Is she in the bathroom? No. The garage? No. Tad’s room? No. Under Ane’s bed? No. In Ane’s closet? No.

Finally, I was at the end of my ideas – and my patience. I threw up my hands, and then an idea came to me that a child of the 21st century would understand. “Ane, just call Laura on her cell phone and ask her where she is,” I told her.

And Ane did it. Laura, apparently, had gone outside to get something. Ane scolded her for not telling her, then “let” her back in (no door opening involved for the imaginary friend – they can go through walls). The missing imaginary friend crisis was over.

So, take note, everyone – even imaginary friends have cell phones these days.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 am and is filed under Children.
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