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Riding the Rooster
By Donna Stone
On that day, after I had done the 101 things that had to be done, I still had enough energy to suggest to my husband that we go to the bank and run a few errands.
We dropped the two older boys off at a friend's house and were on our way: Mom, Dad, Caleb and baby Lily. The first stop was to pick up a check, then we went by the bank (drive-through, of course) and dropped off some library books. Done!
On a whim I said, "Let's go to the mall."
Without his brothers along, Caleb had our full attention. I gave myself the freedom to make this day special for him. We stopped in at a variety store and let him pick a toy, Mom and Dad both hovering anxiously while trying to appear unobtrusive, making sure to steer our son away from any food items. I browsed through the over-stuffed aisles of party favors and cheap gift items while keeping an alert eye on him. As we left with our purchases, Caleb protectively clutched a red matchbox truck in a death grip to rival any pro wrestler's.
We stopped to look at an antique fire truck on display and answered questions until curiosity became too much temptation for little hands not to touch.
Walking through the mall, we reached a certain point and crossed to the other side, going against the natural flow of shoppers. I breathed a prayer of thankfulness that the bakery and the candy store were on the same side, opposite from us. Watching, watching, I prayed with my eyes wide open.
Stifling thoughts of how many peanut butter-contaminated hands had been there before us, I asked Caleb if he wanted to ride the Merry-Go-Round. His face lit up with amazement. His dad took him to ride the rooster. Around and around they went while I constantly searched among the bright colors and shiny brass poles flashing by for glimpses of his face. This was something new for us both: joy and fear intermingled were displayed on his little face. The same emotions played across my features as I watched his pleasure, and at the same time estimated how long it would take to stop the ride and get to him if he needed his Epi-Pen.