Bitter Sweet

He has fond memories of playing here. As we entered the mall to go to a movie, he wistfully watched the little kids play, and mentioned how he used to like to play there.

It was late when the movie got out, the lights were low in the mall and all the kids gone.

I saw the moment the idea hit him...just maybe he could take a few steps inside. He did, then came back out. I encouraged him, this one last time, go play. At first he walked slowly by each animal, each bridge, each plastic rock, feeling them as if they were braille and he could no longer see. Suddenly, he began to climb and slide and leap from one to another...with abandon, just as he once had.

Still so young in his heart, but he is towering over the other kids these days. It won't be long that he won't fit in the little places he once felt so comfortable & free.