Mae is now four, but her ability to growl started a year before at the age of three. When Mae didn’t feel in the mood for conversation rather than ignore you, turn away or simply look at her feet she took to responding with a sound that came from deep inside of her and vibrated from her throat, “Grrrrr!”
Now I’m not big on coaxing and I don’t believe in bribing, so I was content to be at peace with the Growl. What is it we tend to say to the quirks of children? “They’ll grow out of it.”
However, Mae has continued to grow and her growl has remained to grow with her.
As I said, coaxing and bribing I don’t do. Instead I felt there was merit in the Growl so when Mae answered my questions with a “Grrrrr” I replied with a “Grrrr.”
Back and forth we go, rather like duelling banjos. No strings to strum, just vocal cords to orchestrate. We’d compete in loudness and the ability to create different levels of sounds
from inside us. Back and forth, back and forth until one of us caves and collapses into giggles.
Mae then abandons the growl and talks. We discuss what she’d like to amuse herself with now and go about our time together.
Mae’s Growl has advanced to somewhat of a dialogue. It’s not just to express that she isn’t interested in conversing. It’s also to vent when she’s not happy, to release frustration, to get your attention, to announce intense dissatisfaction.
I too have to admit I’ve taken the Growl to new levels as well. I find myself honouring the Growl for many uses. I burnt my toast “Grrrr” I’m going to be late for an appointment “Grrrrrrr!” I forgot to pay a bill on its due date “GRRRRR!”
Once I sound the Growl with much gusto (as you know, it is all in the delivery) my frustration gives way to a smile and at times a chuckle. I’m a grown woman who is now growling rather than enjoying my favourite profanity, which I have to admit has never given me this kind of enjoyment. Screaming into a pillow or in the privacy of my car has just never done it for me either, but…
The Growl is grass roots, simplistic. When uttered with true emotion; is everything.
Who’d have guessed that a good hearty growl could absolve anger and discontent. A good growl taking you from the dark into the light with a grin and a giggle. A good growl that is a tonic to all that is toxic.
So the next time you want to rage, spew or feel a fist forming with your hand that you want to pound or a foot you think needs stomping – allow the Growl. You’ll be smiling in no time. From the sound wisdom of a little girl; a good Growl says it all.
Photos: Sharon Cooke