A Freedom To Run
Posted By jayna on July 21, 2011
Early in the morning, as I stumble blearily down the stairs after them, two impatient little girls peek out the back door. As I pour cereal and slice bananas into perfectly disguised sizes, they point out how much seed the squirrels have eaten overnight and how many butterflies are hovering around the flowering bushes. Hurrying me along, one runs to get the tray out of the cupboard and the other rushes to get the booster seat. Barefoot, bathing suits and wild hair, they nearly shove me out the door.
Breakfast on the patio is quickly over, with pleas to be excused. Their minds have already been at play for ten minutes and their bodies are jumping to catch up. Springing each one from the confines of their chairs, I watch as they race across the damp grass. A plume of gnats rises in their wake, swarming above their heads. Running and running, they’re too fast to be bothered, and eventually I, lazily lounging on a comfortable chair, become breakfast for the insects.
“Chase me, MJ!” E yells over and over, laughing until she’s breathless, looking over her shoulder as she runs away from her sister. MJ gladly chases, faster and faster, until her little legs give out and she tumbles face first onto the grass. Picking herself up, she runs a few more steps before flopping down again, this time rolling around from side to side, enjoying every last blade. Back and forth they go, starting races, dodging imaginary puddles, making believe they’re animals, and pretending to hide behind the far too skinny tree. Green kneed and sweaty, they come back to where I sit, begging me to play.
And so I do. Running and chasing and imagining.
Living in the city, with our front driveway, sidewalk and cul-de-sac as their only room to run, we knew we were missing the joy that comes with a yard. Every visit back to any of the grandparents’ houses only served as a harsh reminder. Every moment was spent begging to go outside, running and playing outside or begging to go back outside. All we wanted when we moved was a yard.
We got it.
And we’re going to enjoy every single inch of it.
So sweet! I loved this post. :) I’m so glad you got your yard!