37 - Don't Like Being Away from Kids

I miss packing up my story-quilt, books and puppets and heading to the Women's Shelter.  Entertaining the kids, is as fun for me, as them.  But even 2 weeks after surgery, I wasn't up for doing a real program.  So, I just grabbed my puppet and headed over for just a visit.

When I arrived, I didn't recognize any of the kids since it had been a while.  They were mostly little ones, curious  and energetic and incredibly delighted to sing to the puppet.  I had a doctor's appointment later and I hadn't planned on staying long. But their giggles were addicting.  We sat down on the colorful floor and it seemed like sitting on the quilt, playing games and singing about all the planets and stars and colors that were printed on the carpet.  

When it was time to go the kids lunged at me with hugs and I was reminded why I'd held off. "Careful!" I laughed. "Ouch!" I thought. But it was worth every bump!
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I drove home feeling surrounded by the warmth of those kids. I kept wondering about my treatment plan, hoping it involved no chemo... which would keep me away from these kids a long time.  Then my focus shifted to the small houses I passed. Many were worn, with cluttered, dirt yards and others were decorated proudly. I wondered how many of the families in these homes were dealing with cancer, while  juggling jobs and daycare and financial worries.  It was sobering.

At one point I slowed down and grinned, when I spotted 2 children splashing in a metal tub.  Grandpa watched from a chair nearby as the kids hosed each other and squealed.  I just had to turn the car around.  The grandpa didn't act like it was a bit odd that I stepped out of my car to tell him how delighted I was to see the kids having fun.  We both laughed about our now grown kids, once playing with the hose on summer days.  He admitted it was a lot more fun playing grandpa than dad.  He had been too busy to enjoy watching his kids back when he was working.  He smiled and added,   "This wears them out good, too!"

Grandpa said it was fine to take a photo. The kids obviously were happy to share their fun.  I drove away feeling energized by so many sweet little faces.