Dear Cricket: Highland Park

There was something about that morning. We woke up early and headed into Kokomo to meet Grandpa Ed. We were early so we swung by and got coffee. When we called Grandpa he said to get breakfast because he wasn't quite ready for Dad to meet him to start working. With coffee in hand we decided to drive to the park instead. It was eight in the morning on that May day. The air was crisp but hinted at the warmth that would soon come.

You, Bonnie and I were going to go to Nana and Grandpa's after we dropped Dad off so I didn't pack Bonnie's leash. We felt bad not letting her enjoy the park so we made an executive decision and let her run free. She was such a good girl. You both were (are) such good girls. We let you run free, too.

You just wanted to walk everywhere and by yourself. All around the massive trees and beautiful green grass. You soaked it in, and we soaked you in. We let you swing and slide (your first slide!) and oh you were a happy kiddo. Your daddy guided you down the slide and you smiled big grins, turning for another trip down.

Some frisbee golfers came by and you were enamored. You tried to go join them several times. They were kind as I headed you off. It was cute and I appreciated their kind words that they would have a "new player" in the making.

Your dad and I reminisced driving home that night that there was something special about our morning park adventure. Something about starting your day in God's creation, outside and together just felt...perfect. It felt right and good to get moving and soak up a beautiful park. A park that your Nana played in as a child. The same ground, the same beauty. We must go back soon.

Love you Cricket,
Mama