End of the Innocence

-

To every thing there is a season, I suppose. Yet for the past few days I've been toying with the idea of removing the swing set from the backyard, and as you will note it has seen better days. It's not very much to look at, and the damn weeds grow up through the stones I had carefully laid down about eight years ago.

Last night I was plucking some of the weeds out of the ground and clearing a lot of the stones away. I didn't actually shovel or rake because of the back, but I started the chore. I couldn't help but think of the time spent on the swing set - Sam took the most advantage of it, often swinging high with the neighbor. Other than that, Rocco and Farrah spent a little time swinging away. Taking it down makes me feel like I'm taking something away.

Yet it does little more than sit there now, taunting me with how ugly it looks when grass in the spot would make the yard look so much bigger.

Why does it bother me so? Well, I think of how proud I was when my brother and I got it set. I had transported about 7,000 wheelbarrows of stone to the spot after Kathy had dumped it in the driveway believing that it would take about an hour to wheel it over - it took 8 hours.

My bro had built the swing set and poured the concrete for me. He also assembled railroad ties in the front for an edge, but the termites ate the wood that I had taken the time to paint - and paint and I don't get along too well - but I'd done it.

And I thought of the old swing set that we had years and years ago on Shirley Road - I thought about swinging next to my brother John - we were always together - always swinging high for the sky - never quite making it up and over the bar.

And I thought of what seems lost to me over the last bunch of trying days - and it made me realize that childhood is really and truly over for me - not bad I made it 44years feeling like a kid.

My kids won't even miss the swing set and in a few months time, new grass will cover the patch of land, and it won't seem like such a big deal.

Yet taking down a swing set sure feels a lot like losing the innocence of youth when reaching for the sky was just a normal day in the sun.

Comments

Larry L said…
Those were the good ole days before Xbox, PS3 and Wii. Just going outside in the morning and nobody worrying about us until dinner time. Our kids cannot do that anymore.
23 July, 2009
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I be...
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C...
Read more

Eyes on the Horizon

-
Image
My sister’s book is out there! Go get it!! It makes me so proud to see the book on Amazon, knowing that it’s very, very great! It’s been a long, long time since we were out in California, brainstorming my stories long before they were published. Carrie Lynn was writing, writing and writing some more through the years and I kept telling her… …”Go for it!” Well, she did!  To amazing results. Of course I was able to read the book as it was being put together, but I ordered a copy from Amazon yesterday and can’t wait to read it again. The shoe is on the other foot now as I have been sitting on a lot of my writing lately. I plan on getting it out there before the end of 2024, but for now: Carrie takes center stage! And it’s so great… …go get a copy!
Read more