TW - Object death/grief
Going to be vulnerable and discuss something I feel like people in the community usually shy away from. This is going to be a long one, so I appreciate if you get past even this first paragraph. Ever since I was a kid I've always had overwhelming empathy for objects/nonliving things in part because of my autism. I had a favorite stick when I was in elementary school and when a bully snapped it I cried for hours after and grieved for days. Smiley faces drawn on notes or packaging being thrown away brought me to tears (still does sometimes). I broke down saying goodbye to our old family car when we sold her, not knowing where she would go afterwords or who would take care of her. People were never in the forefront of my affections, and even now I often struggle to feel the same sympathy for them over something not alive.
An example of this that I've been struggling with recently is the 909, A B-17 Flying Fortress that was flown by my museum's organization as part of an interactive historic warbird tour. She crashed at Bradley Airport in Connecticut in 2019 shortly after takeoff due to engine failure caused by maintenance oversights. From what I've read her pilot (and head of maintenance) loved her more than anything. He passed along with her. He tried his best to care for the old bird, but nothing can stop the deterioration that comes with age. I never got to see her in person like many of my older coworkers did but I can't help but feel this nagging closeness. She's like an angel to me, eluding my grasp, a life left behind in a trail of photos and articles. Every document I read about her feels like she's calling out to me, saying "come find me" when I know that every door I open will lead to nothing. I keep chasing but for what? I'll never see her again.
Some desperate part of me clings to the fact that one of her wings and tail survived the crash. There have to be pieces of her out there, begging to be held, loved, one last time.
The pain of falling in love with an object after its destruction is a pain like no other. If you have similar feelings or stories please don't hesitate to share them in the comments/reblogs.

















