Anxious stories
walking the street while mothering an autistic teenager
Our walk
Walking on
And on
We made it to the store
Magazine store
We got the magazines for V.
From the start the magazines had stood in as happy objects.
Happiness involves a specific kind of intentionality, which we can describe as ‘end orientated’ [...]
Happiness is directed towards certain objects, which function as a means to what is not yet present. If objects provide a ‘means’ for making us happy, then in directing ourselves towards this or that object, we are aiming somewhere else: towards a happiness that is presumed to follow [...]
Happiness does not reside in objects; it is promised through proximity to certain objects.
(Ahmed 2010)
The magazines would tell a story of my good mothering, through which I am attentive to my daughter's educational and creative aspirations.
They could also tell the story of how I facilitate my son's participation in our social environment, all that while making sure both children got fresh air and exercise.
