ALS is known to be an isolating disease, particularly because you lose the ability to communicate. Though Bambi is first learning to navigate the world and Ben was adapting to new ways to do some tasks and dealing with losing the ability to do others, I could relate to Thumper’s positive attitude of problem solving and encouragement.Īlso touching was that he never left Bambi behind in pursuit of his own fun. And, Thumper was so happy when Bambi did have an accomplishment like walking steadily. Thumper never gave up on Bambi or their friendship in the same way that as caregivers, we never give up on our loved ones. And, like Thumper, we often found ourselves saying, “Gee whiz, what happened that time?” I always loved this scene in the film, but now I see it in a new light. There were also the times that we both ended up on the ground, fortunately unharmed. There were times that I managed to keep him from falling and got him safely onto the bed or a chair. We each had to trust each other and there were times we were nervous and other times it was fun. It reminded me of the way I had to work with Ben to help him up and figure out the best way to get around. I especially love this clip, in which Thumper assesses the situation on the ice and tries to position Bambi’s legs, advising Bambi to “walk both ends at the same time.” It doesn’t go so well and they both end up skidding and falling. They anticipate where he is going to struggle and they gather around to help him so they can play together. Thumper and his siblings (also incredibly adorable little bunnies) play with Bambi but also watch out for him. He was quite devoted to his new friend, the young prince Bambi. He was the one to point out that Bambi was “kinda wobbly, isn’t he?” and “he doesn’t walk very good, does he?” This is not exactly the positive reinforcement someone wants when struggling and self-conscious! And while his mother had to remind him that “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all,” Thumper was a child making an observation, albeit tactlessly, but his heart was in the right place. Thumper was the very adorable and lovable young forest gossip, and he certainly didn’t always say the right thing. I recently watched “Bambi” again, and was touched by Thumper’s relationship with Bambi in a whole new way. I’ve always loved Bambi, and have written about the song Love is a Song that Never Ends and how it resonated with me in caregiving and in grief. Easter seems a perfect time to honor my favorite bunny, Thumper, from Walt Disney Pictures Bambi.
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