It has been said that behind every successful man is a woman. It turns out that behind the world’s most successful elephant there is also a woman to be thanked. With all that is going on now, there is one Frenchman who remains untouched by criticism and who may even be the kind of leader we need. He is, of course, the French ruler, politician, and diplomat: the elephant Babar.
Cécile de Brunhoff created Babar as a bedtime story for her children. Her husband Jean wrote down the stories and illustrated the first book, which was published in 1931. Jean tried to give credit to Cécile but she had her name removed before the book was printed. Jean de Brunhoff died in 1937 and Babar’s adventures continue to be illustrated by Laurent de Brunhoff, Cécile and Jean’s oldest son.
Most people meet Babar when they are young, but I didn’t meet him till I was much older. The introduction was a gift from a friend when I was at the very beginning of my recovery. It was a bad time. I was scared a lot, and anxious, and not sure at all how to be a leader at work.
Today I keep a picture of him on my desk, and especially now, I stop to say, “Thanks, Babar” for his message.
Babar is a survivor of trauma. In the first few pages of his story, we witness the murder of his mother. It is cruel and sad. He is alone and struggling—just as I was in those early recovery days. But Babar moved from the country to the city where he met the Old Lady who became his mentor/sponsor.
With her guidance he learns to dress well—he’s French after all—and he acquires the skill of conversation and getting along with others. But most importantly Babar moved beyond simply surviving to use his traumatic past to become an individual with deep values and strong character.
Eventually, with the call of the needy, Babar turned to social responsibility and went home to help the citizens of his country.
Babar becomes a leader. He marries Celeste and has a family. His country prospers and there is balance and respect in Celesteville, a community rich with diversity. The bad time comes when Celesteville is burned, and Babar had the bad dream. Those early fears that many of us have. In his dream demons came—hairy winged things named hate, fear, greed. If you have done a 4th step you know these. But Babar summoned the spirits of patience and hope and chased the demons out of the country. Oh, recovery and The Promises.
Babar is completely comfortable with himself; that’s what recommends him the most. Though he is certain of his authority, and wears a crown to prove it, he is not heavy handed nor a workaholic. Babar seems to have the faith to really live one day at a time. (I have wondered: Did he go to therapy? Elephants Anonymous? de Brunhoff doesn’t say.)
Babar inspires. He is profoundly honest, he negotiates change, he’s committed to his family, and he sends this overriding message: “Don’t panic”.
Babar gives us hope that a wise and caring leader is possible. And that our own growth and change is possible too. We can claim him as a colleague in our folding chairs.
Diane Cameron
Albany, New York
