One of the things I am thankful for: that not all of the children I love will outgrow me eventually
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Hi j_k
Hi, Summer :-) What`s up?
I miss you :-)
(I happen to know there`s a boy she likes who shares my name)
Aww! But wait, was that message really for me?
Yes, I really do miss you :-)
(We see each other regularly in weekend youth group meetings - the last time we met was, what, three days ago? Well, I can take a hint...)
Wanna go somewhere then? Meet you at the 7-11 :-)
Your treat? :-)
Of course :-) :-)
-Sitting on a park bench with three corn dogs and a giant Mountain Dew slurpie to share, and half a dozen small donuts for dessert
Not much, as dates go, but it`s nice to enjoy simple things with a girl, isn`t it?
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"So, was there something you wanted to tell me about?"
"No, not really..."
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We`ve spent the entire afternoon just hanging out, talking about nothing in particular.
It`s getting dark. Time to go home. It`s a school night, too.
As I get up she reaches out to me, grinning.
"Carry me?"
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Suddenly I understand.
She remembers, as I do, those magical days we spent together:
every one would end with me carrying her home in my arms.
She was eleven when first we met, four years ago, and outgrew such things far too quickly.
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But today, just for today-- why not?
I bend down and scoop her up, one arm supporting her shoulders and the other under her knees.
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This is getting a bit awkward.
I don`t mind people staring at us as we walk,
but she`s not as little as she used to be. My arms are burning.
"Hey, Summer, wake up. Can you get on my back instead?"
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Thinking about the memories we made today.
The way she smiled as she held out her arms to me.
The warmth of her body against mine, her arms draped loosely around me, our cheeks touching.
Teenage girls are very beautiful too, aren`t they?