A stomach bug off

Ken: Age 4

A rite of passage age -- that's what four is. It's admission to school. It's permission to attend the kid's homily thing at Mass. It's the beginning of a real dose of Tylenol. It's the entrance ticket to the Richfield Burger King Play Land. And, for me, age four marked a knock-out, kick-me-while-I'm-down, not-sure-what-day-it-is-and-really-don't-care stomach bug. Darn pre-school germs.

Sam: Age 2

Yesterday, Sam and I hopped our Strider bikes for our nightly jaunt to the park with Georgia and Mom. I made it half way down the street before caving to the demands of my healing bod. I asked Mom for the wagon. We did an about-face, climbed up the drive, and busted out the trusty Radio Flyer. I'm not gonna lie: It was heavenly.

I lay cuddled with my blue car blanket, face-up -- staring skyward -- letting the 68 degree evening air brush across my face and over the back of the wagon. Feeling so ... taken care of.

Georgia: Age 1

The wagon's really nothing special. It's creaky. Bumpy. Chipped. The handle is bent in two places. Mom hooks a baby swaddle strap through the handle, wears it like a poor-man's harness, and hauls us around. Most of the time, she's pulling me and Sam while pushing Georgia-and-stroller. Quite the mode.

But this wagon, let me tell you, this wagon is our way to better places. Destinations. With Mom at the helm, we experience the library, the park, the DMV, the farmer's market. And, every time, we're carried along our journey in grace and style. The wagon moves beyond our abilities, lifts us to places not gotten to on our own, lets us feel so ... taken care of.

The Radio Flyer
(plus hops, of course)

And I wonder, as I continue to navigate this journey called life -- where can I find my Radio Flyers? We all must have them. Be they people, hobbies, family, traditions: These Radio Flyers let us power through life's experiences. Our Radio Flyers allow us to cave to the demands of our healing selves, be lifted beyond our abilities, and feel ... taken care of.

I found a few stars on the way home. Stomach bug and all: Looking at the sky. Just me and the moon and my Radio Flyer.

Peace and good thoughts to you,
Ken