Bentley and the Electrolux

[electrolux137]

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Y'all may recall that I have a great-newphew (two of them, actually*) who is infatuated with vacuum cleaners. When my parents moved into a managed care facility, my brother Noel (Bentley's grandfather) took their Electrolux Model L and he uses it down in their (finished) basement, most of which is a large rec-room area.

Every time Bentley comes to visit Grandma and Grandpa, he wants to use the Electrolux. here's a photo and video they sent me today.

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*Bentley's parents and grandparents are very tolerant of his love for vacuum cleaners. OTOH, my oldest brother's grandson Ian also showed "great interest" in vacuum cleaners. His parents humored him for a while, during the time he was undergoing treatment for leukemia (now in complete remission Thank God).

But as soon as his treatments were over, they [with his grandpa's encouragement] took away all his toy vacuums (including a toy Miele that I had sent him) and all the pictures and videos on their computer and, instead, put a football in his hands. No girlie sweeper stuff for Ian.

I hope they remember this in about 10-15 years when he's in therapy.......

I was very sad when I heard about this and had to mightily resist the urge to send his parents and grandparents a stinging assessment of my feelings about their doing so. However, as it is, I already don't get along with that brother (at all); my comments would just enrage him and I'd get an earful right back telling me to BUTT OUT.

And So It Goes.

http://www.1377731.com/0000137/bentley.electrolux.1.mov

 

[ronni]

There's something extra special about seeing a young person, such as Bentley, running a vacuum cleaner. I don't know if it's the responsibility being shown (and taught) of helping with housework, or just the innocent quality that children bear. Anyway, thanks for posting the photo and telling us about him and Ian (I will say a special prayer for Ian soon for his continued good health and development).

I especially like the name Bentley and am curious if your brother and his wife have a fondness for Bentley cars, the TV show, or perhaps the doorman on "The Jeffersons"?

Regarding your restraint in sending Ian's parents and grandparents a "stinging assessment"; I applaud you for taking time to consider the consequences. I have found that consistent praying in such situations brings healing and clarity rather than words--spoken, typed, or written by us. I offer that to you for as a possible alternative.

 

[sitop]

Reminds me of ME

Bentley is adorable. My Mother used to have me use the Model L with just one tube.

I agree, you are smart to keep your mouth shut. I know, from experience that you can not MAKE someone enjoy football.

Good Luck to Ian!

 

[electromatik]

AWWWWW

That is one sweet picture. That story is rather irritating but people STILL think your some kind of girly if you like vacuums. The truth is all (well many) men harbor closet attraction to vacuums. Why? It's easy to see why. It's the male gadget syndrome. Men love gadgetry. And they love anything with a motor in it. It's on wheels, it has a motor, it has buttons, it has lights, it makes what you put in front of it disappear... What's not to love???

Deal with it people, men love machines.

 

[electromatik]

I forgot to add that while I would not get testy, if Ian came to MY house, Ian would play with whatever vacuum Ian wanted...