Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write for the ACTION and/or ADVENTURE Genre (11/13/14)
-
TITLE: What's Yours? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
11/20/14 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Some ride roller coasters.
The seat is too small as elbows overlap and bump each other. This is definitely not first class. But, anticipation overrides the temporary discomfort. The engine roar indicates that it’s time. Outside, the earth miniaturizes as the plane rises. Goal altitude is reached and each passenger attaches a small pack to their back. Last minute instructions are short as the door flings open. Wind gusts in, tauntingly trying to grab and whisk away everything at the same time offering an enticing invitation. One by one they each leap from the edge, arms spread out like a bird taking flight, but without wings! Instantaneously, breath is taken away yet a breath of exhilaration is felt. The earth is regaining its size quickly. A string-tug and then a sharp jerk indicates the pack is doing its job. This descent is no way like that which would have been achieved had they stayed in the airplane’s seat. Hitting the ground and then being able to stand up elicits a sense of satisfaction. Gravity has been conquered this time.
Some skydive.
Tall growing grass indicates that summer is fast approaching. Who will mow this summer? Grandpa has every other home chore to do. So, Gramma gets the job. Instead of mowing down the two acres of grass she blazes trails throughout. Plotting a perfect containment for her and her newly walking grandson. Every summer weekend is spent on the path with him toddling and giggling his way through the over two feet high grass maze.
The same paths become different with every walk as he dodges the dogs weaving through, takes a break by sitting on his favorite rock, squeezes in the hollowed out ‘rocket’ tree, waves to semi-trucks passing by, counts Pa’s chickens in the coop, watches overhead planes fly by, smells Dandylions and Queen Ann’s lace flowers and says ‘uh oh’ at every hole that the dog has dug.
He learns the word ‘tree.’ So he and Grandma sing a song.
“Oh the Lord is good to me! And yes I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need, the sun and the grass and this big . . .”
He chimes in, “teeee.” (tree)
“Oh the Lord is good to me.” He attempts the words with mumbles and Gramma finishes off-key.
On most trips he toddles ahead, turns his head back, flashes an impish grin and runs. When a cross roads is reached he points ‘this way.’ Then Grandma and whoever else has joined; Pa, Mommy, Dadda or Auntie follow in obedience.
Gramma’s iPhone is filled with summer pictures of him at the zoo, playing in sand on the beach, attempting arcade games, swimming in his play pool, riding carnival rides, bouncing in a bounce-house, . But her favorites are of his back-side as he runs through the tall grassy paths.
Some ride roller coasters, some sky dive, some climb mountains, some drive race cars, some ______ (you fill in the blank). This Gramma had a summer of action adventure walks in her own backyard with her one year old grandson.
Summer is over and the grass is all mowed down, but Pa bought him a snow sled for this birthday. New winter action adventures await! Gramma looks forward to next summer’s adventures. Gramma don’t do snow.
This is dedicated to my grandson, Malakai, who turns two today, Nov 20th 2014.
Author note: Song is based on and sung to the tune of “The Johnny Appleseed Song”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
WOnderful and warm story that touched my heart.
God bless~