Doll Therapy

Daddy Steve:  In our part of the world it's difficult not to be a little depressed this time of the year.  The holidays are over, and it's cold and dreary.  Springtime is still a long way off.  It helps, of course, to have someone to talk to. 

We are lucky in this respect here in Gregoropolis because we have Kaveh, our resident therapist.  Kaveh is very empathetic and compassionate.  He helps the other boys with their worries and problems by listening carefully and occasionally offering sound words of wisdom...

Anthony: Sometimes I feel a bit rigid and inflexible.  I don't bend very well.  Maybe I'm a little too tightly strung. >sigh<

Kaveh: You're also a lot of good things, Tony.  You're kind and caring.  You look out for us and keep us from getting into trouble.

Kaveh: Well, Sasha, you know if Bigfoot does indeed exist, there's nothing to say that he's mean or dangerous.  Perhaps he's a very nice chap who's just a bit shy or socially awkward.  Maybe he's just trying to find his way.

Sasha: Gee, I never thought about it that way.

Giancarlo: Emile drives me crazy!  I like him well enough, but...!  He always tries to get my goat!

Kaveh: I don't think he means to do that.  Emile is just very passionate about what he believes in.  You can't change him, but you can make your goat less 'get-able,' if you know what I mean?

Giancarlo: Hmmmm...you may be right.

Duncan: Sometimes it seems like there are so many bad and scary things happening in the world.  It makes me very depressed.

Kaveh: Yes, it's true.  Sometimes the world can seem like a very scary place.  When I feel this way, I try to remember the words of Fred Rogers, the host of Mr Roger's Neighborhood.  He once said "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.'  To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers--so many caring people in this world."

Of course, some boys' thoughts are inscrutable.

Frank: I dream that I am a giant cupcake and start eating myself.  Is that significant?

Kaveh: Well...I...hmmm...what kind of cupcake are you?