As a Child

The amazing thing about children is they are so adaptable.  We have new neighbors that just moved in across the street.  My husband and I introduced ourselves and went along with the business that awaits parents.  Our brood of five were energetically entertaining themselves with a game called zombie tag.  It was a take on freeze tag except you play with your arms out like a zombie and your eyes squinted.  I guess there’s nothing new under the sun is there?  While peering out the window and trying to keep up with the work on my laptop I could hear them squealing with delight.  Our new neighbors have children.  One of them wanted to play.  As his mom crossed the street and gave him the ok to begin there was barely a moments’ hesitation and then he was off playing with our kids.  They ran up and down the sidewalk and lawn; laughing, yelling.  The exclusive sound of summer filled the air.  Especially after another neighbor kid busted out the super-soaker and splashed some who were not interested in a refreshing shower.  Of those splashed was our youngest daughter.  She came in the house full of emotion and brought her high pitched shrieks inside for comfort.  After reassuring her she would not melt it was time to go outside and regulate.  It was a 10 year old who was the perpetrator.  I didn’t have to say too much.  His demeanor was a non-verbal, “Aw man!” as he slumped his shoulders, dropped his head, and walked toward his house in embarrassment.  Kids are unabashedly themselves and their hellos are as genuine as some newly found tresure that had been lost in the dirt.  Have a wonderful day!