Buffalo Sandler.

As we drove home from a three and half hour skate session, Sandler asked me if we could stop by Rite Aid and get a flu shot. Absolutely baffled by his request, I asked him why in the world he would want to get an excruciating shot in the arm. His response was quick to the point, “Because I don’t want one for Christmas!” (Apparently, he has been stewing about his well-check where he is scheduled to get the flu vaccine in December). I could not believe he remembered his appointment, but even more impressive was his initiative to be done with the imminent pain. However, knowing no kid in their right mind would elect to get a flu shot, I passed by the pharmacy and changed the subject.

Just as he does not give up on landing a trick he was not giving up on the impending flu shot issue. He wanted to know why I was not taking him directly to the drug store per his desire and demanded we deal with the matter on the spot. Then it dawned on me… Sandler is exactly like a buffalo. He is not only extraordinarily tough, but he has the mentality of a buffalo in the sense that when a storm comes—they charge it. Both do exactly what therapists tell clients to do, “Face your fears and get the inevitable over with to minimize the difficulty of the challenge.”

Growing up in CO and attending CU Boulder, where the mascot is Ralphie The Buffalo, I have always had a thing for the intriguing species. I was immediately enthralled with my new analogy. Just like buffalo, Sandler is extremely strong, very intelligent, curious and playful. He is exceptionally gentle and kind but feisty and will use his attributes to defend himself and those he loves. Though I have not talked to a buffalo, I imagine, by the looks of them, they have a great sense of humor.

I could not contain my enthusiasm and tried to explain to Sandler that he was just like my favorite animal. I was bursting with parallels of the furry beast’s bravery and commitment and how it reminds me of him executing new tricks on his skateboard. I was so excited I felt like I could have written an entire thesis about the similarities between my kid and the awesome creature. Then he politely brought me back to real life and said, “Mommy, ‘buffalos’ don’t know how to skateboard and I’ve never seen one at Rite Aid getting a flu shot… so that doesn’t make any sense.”

Touche Sandler…

- Nikki