Splash

In between downpours yesterday, I took poor little cabin fevered Incrediboy out to play in the fresh air. He was so giddy you’d think I gave him a snout full of nitrous.

Before I knew it he was ankle deep in a great big puddle. GAH! I ushered him out promptly, a little perturbed that his only pair of shoes that he’ll allow on his feet were now saturated and would take days to dry out. But upon pondering the delight on his face by seeing how far he could splash and kick the water about in liquid peacock tails, the little tomboy in me got to thinking about how much fun it was to slop around in puddles and creeks.

When I was in scouts, the most anticipated summer camp activity by far was an afternoon of “creeking”. We’d don a pair of old, worn out shoes and scurry down the banks of the creek. We’d wade around in the chortling waters, watching for crayfish and water striders, tadpoles and interesting stones tumbled smooth by the currents. Something about the feel of the cool fresh waters flowing through our shoes and embracing our ankles made us feel euphoric – as if we were really getting away with something. As if we were being granted a secret parole from sensibility.

I got that same feeling again just then. I popped back in the house to grab my camera, and while I knew I shouldn’t encourage such abuse of the sacred Elmo shoes, I allowed him to continue playing in the puddles. Over and over, back and forth he ran. In a few moments, I joined him. The clear rainwater turned brown and muddy from the constant agitation of our feet. The legs of his sweatpants grew heavy with the splashes. He squealed, laughed, and beamed with the sweetness of this indulgence.

And so did I.

Childhood is getting further and further away in my rearview mirror – but I’ve been briefly gifted a wormhole, to shortcut back whenever I choose. I need to take advantage of it - whenever I can. I figure Incrediboy can only be blessed and enriched by Mom's company sometimes joining in the play she watches over. As can his Mom. And if a few pair of shoes get ruined in the process, it's a small price to pay.