THE BOX

     It is amazing what a box will do. When my oldest children were growing up any kind of box thrilled them to pieces. At christmas time, when they were babies, a box entertained them more than its contents, and as they grew older boxes still gave them hours of play.
     I had opportunity to bring home a giant box that a store had thrown out which had contained a large appliance. My kids were thrilled and spent weeks exploring the universe in their "Starship Enterprise" and running country roads in their "car". They hid in the "cave" and found treasure in the "mine", they chased bad guys through the sea in their "submarine" and visited each other in their "house". How can any child be child, without a box?
     Last evening my 21 year old son knocked on my door, (odd for him), and stood grinning from ear to ear when I answered. He covertly whispered," I have a surprise for Reagan, he is gonna LOVE IT" But can I take it home and keep it for the weekend, before he keeps it for good?" I was thinking, "why has this boy brought an animal here?", "he knows I can't have one in the apartment".  Then he stepped aside, to reveal a giant BOX like unto the kind a refrigerator comes in!
     He brought it inside, to the delight of Reagan, who squealed and vibrated, exclaiming," A box, a box thanks Ethan that's a great box, " and later, "I know its just a box, Ethan , but can we call it Mr. Boxy?" Reagan and Ethan played in the box side by side;  then Ethan convinced Reagan that it was best he take it home and "keep it safe" for him lest it get torn up, then he would bring it back.

     Ethan played in his box after he got home and even pnotographed himself. My son, the drama king. He will be a great dad someday, instilling great stories and chances to use imaginations. He will watch his grown children play one day and smile....

They Grow Up so Fast

     Reagan is a little man of six. Quite handsome, and engaging is he with his antics and expressions. He was bound to get the attention of a girl one day....I just didnt think it would be this soon! I was comfortable with it though and quite proud as he raced by screaming in terror "NO No No No No " as she ran behind him trying to catch him to kiss him.
     Later he tearfully told me ,"I dont want to get married! That girl was trying to kiss me and that means I am marrying " I held him and comforted and of course was so happy my baby wanted to stay with his mommy forever and ever......Two days later....
     We were all getting ready to go to the grocery store....as I washed his little grimy face, Reagan said ,"A girl kissed me right there". I stopped still and said, "What? a Girl kissed you?" "Yeah ", he said,"I got kissed by a girl". I was getting mad, that little girl chased my son down and forced a kiss on his screaming terrorized little personhood!
I remained calm, and gently asked,"Did you cry?" and he said ,"No I was dead on the ground like this ", as he slithered to the floor looking very dead,"and she kissed me so I could get alive again".
Grasping at straws I responded hopefully,"Well, I guess YOU wont be dead again huh?" He answered somberely,"OH I will be dead again tommorow! I will be dead again ALOT!"
My precious baby has been proselytized!