March 16th, 2017 - 2:15 pm to 2:31 pm - 3:43 pm to 3:50 pm - When I was about 6 years old, my family took a trip through New Mexico. During part of our trip, we found ourselves at a shop that had some items to buy. My sister and I bought a plastic Indian doll each. She bought a girl doll and I bought a boy doll (probably paid for by my parents).
We left the shop and went on our way. At one point, one of us smelled something weird or burning. We found ourselves turning to the back windshield.
My sister and I found, globs of unrecognizable plastic. Although, we knew they were our dolls that had been transformed. My parents and sister's response were to laugh immediately at this situation. But, I freaked out. I said, "My doll melted," as I was completely distraught.
I have remembered that experience over the years. But, ever since being diagnosed with Autism, 30 years after that situation, I reflect a l little differently. For example, I'm seeing that it relates to how my brain functions or processes information.
Now I realize that the hot sun bearing down on the back windshield, the plastic dolls didn't have a chance but to transform their shapes. At the time, the changes happened suddenly and dramatically. At least that's what I felt at the time. Nature didn't provide any kind of transition.
Now, I can realize many different perspectives that I didn't at the time. For example, I realize the combination of events that led to the situation. I also realize that there are many perspectives and experiences. And in the context of people hurting, that wasn't a big deal. But, I do have many perspectives at the same time. So, on the one hand I want to honor all of my thoughts and feelings. But, I also want to put things into perspective.