Every other Saturday, I attempt to allot my best friend with some quality alone time. Being a single parent working her way through nursing school is a commendable struggle.  Ten hours a month may not be much time to unwind and relax, but I feel that she deserves the chance to slow down for at least a moment or so. I pick up her two daughters, an 11 year old and a four year old, and find something fun for us to do together for that afternoon. They call me “aunt bean”. Today’s weather was actually nice enough for us to do something outside for a change. We decided to go to the park and roller blade. I had to hold the four year old’s hand the whole time for she has yet to master her balance while rolling on wheels. This afternoon was the first time in a very long time that I’ve sincerely laughed so much, that tears began to emerge. I’ve gotten so caught up in my problems and busy schedule, it was so refreshing to remember what it’s like to enjoy the little things that life can give you. The eleven year old wanted to skate over to the skate park and watch the older boys do the ramps and rails. She asked if I was able to do any of the tricks. I immediately thought of you. I told her no, but that I knew someone who did. I wondered if you would someday teach your nephew to blade. Thinking about it simply added to my developing good mood. All in all, today’s events really brightened my spirits.

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."
--Ron Wild

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." --Henry Ward Beecher