I’m chuckling as I go back and look at the ones I snapped. Seeing the joy on Johnny’s face, I know what I’m going to do next, even if it may be too soon.
Pulling up Candy’s number, I send her a text.
Wish you were here with us.
I attach the picture with the text and then put my phone away. Knowing how busy she is on a Saturday in our small downtown area with tourists milling around, I don’t expect her to answer me back right away.
“Alright, ready to help me bag them?” I ask Johnny. He’s still buried in the leaves.
“If I have to,” he grumbles, as he steps out of the leaves.
“Well you don’t have to, but if you don’t help it’ll take even longer, and then we won’t be able to do anything fun today,” I tell him, as I squat down, so I’m on his level. The one thing I’ve learned a lot lately is Johnny acknowledges and listens more when you get on his level and talk to him.
“Alright, Daddy. I’ll help you, but I’m not happy,” he says, with a pout.
“I get it, this is not my favorite chore either. The faster we get this done, the faster we can go to the park,” I counter.
“Yay!” he squeals and then we get back to our work. It takes hours, but we get the front and back yard done and then go inside to get cleaned up.
“I’ll make some sandwiches while you’re cleaning up,” I tell Johnny. I take my phone out of my pocket and set it on the kitchen counter before I wash my hands. Once I finish, I look at my phone and see that Candy responded to my text.
He’s the cutest, wish I was there too