The Northfield Rambler

Saturday, October 20, 2012

"Needlessness"

posted by Kevin.....


Today at breakfast, Walter got up from his seat and strolled into the bathroom.  He then reappeared with a small step stool, carrying it with a look of purpose and determination toward the kitchen.  The center island counter top was his destination, and the previous night's open bag of popcorn his prize.

Now I'm not going to go into why the half full bag of popcorn was there....sitting open all night on the counter. I'm not going to play the "blame game" or "point a finger" at anyone. I think that would be counterproductive, and in the end would not have changed anything Stace. So move on.

However, as I watch my 2 1/2 year old son going to great lengths to substitute the beautiful  nutritious  breakfast I provided him at his place at the table for a stale bag of Orville Redenbacher's  from the counter, I was struck by something.  And no, it was not food thrown in my direction from Henry.

I should have been deeply offended by the fact that Walter would simply, quietly, get up from the breakfast that I painstakingly re-heated from a Rubbrmaid container for him. But instead I was filled with pride and eggs.  But mostly pride.

For, you see, my son took it upon himself to make a change in his world.  He was compelled by his spirit of independence and an undeniable desire for popcorn.  It's what drove him to gather his inner strength, his sense of adventure,  and take a stand....on a foot stool.  He saw a need and he fulfilled it.

And he never once asked for anyone's help. He simply acted, as any one of us would hope WE would do if presented the same situation. He didn't need me to provide for him any more.  He was out there, on his own, with no net.

Walter took that chance.  And he stuffed his mouth beyond it's limited capacity, with stale popcorn.

And he slowly spit it out, little by little, as he walked back to the table and the breakfast I made for him.

I embraced him, realizing that, for a brief while longer, I might be needed.

Henry gave him one last piece of brotherly wisdom before Walter ventured off alone on his next adventure.

"Small bites, Walt." said Henry.

Small bites indeed my good fellow.




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