Making Room for Turkeyo

Back when I was little girl, I loved any type of imaginative or role playing games. Above any other toy, I treasured my stuffed animals and baby dolls. One thing I never had, however, was a real "imaginary friend." Those who know my husband wouldn't be surprised to know that he never had one either! So I have to say I was a little unprepared for the arrival of Turkeyo in our home.
My four year old, Kyle, one day announced that he had a new "pretend friend." As someone educated and experienced in the field of Child Development, I felt no alarm or concern at this proclamation. Merely surprise. I asked Kyle what his name was, and without hesitation, he replied, "Turkeyo." (Pronounced just like it looks...Turkey-o!) I of course laughed at the random name choice, and assumed that he would never remember it later. How I underestimated Turkeyo's determination to make a real name for himself; to become a legend in our household!
As days went on, Turkeyo introduced his posse. His friends Hirkendot and Hookenshoe. All three now have good behavior sticker-charts above Kyle's desk, along with one more forgotten friend...Brakesixen. Turkeyo has by far the most stickers, while Hookenshoe is clearly the delinquent of the three.
This summer Turkeyo has done many things. He has even had a summer job! He apparently works at a Catholic Church nearby (a place that Kyle is terrified of; he calls it the Jesus Cross building and refuses to go near it...he much prefers Jesus OFF the cross!).
Turkeyo has also gone to jail. His heinous crime? Saying, "Butt."
So imagine how proud we were when Kyle announced this week, "Turkeyo is going to college in four days." I asked where Turkeyo would be attending, and apparently he going to Oklahoma. Kyle says he plans to meet Turkeyo there when he turns 18, which I guess means that Turkeyo is on the good old 14+ year plan of finishing college!
Actually, Kyle has talked a lot about college lately. He talks about how he doesn't want to go because he will miss us. He says he doesn't know where to go. He asks if he can bring his toys...if he can bring us. So sweet, these days when he always wants his parents around! I know that when the time comes for him to really leave us, he will more than likely be excited to go. And I'm sure I will cry, remembering these days when he was sending Turkeyo to college to wait for him there. Because by the time he gets there, I'm betting that Turkeyo will be gone for good.
So for now, I am happy to have Turkeyo in our family. It brings joy to my heart that Kyle is enjoying his imagination. If I have to make a half sandwich for Turkeyo's lunch, or respect an area where he may be sleeping, I am more than happy to do that. I just hope we can get Turkeyo on the right path and keep him out of jail! Judging by his sticker chart, he is learning to behave himself!