Sidewalk Lessons

We left church today and began a long walk back to the car. J held Cubby's hand while he slowly trudged up the sidewalk, I held the Bear's hand as his feet propelled him quickly forward in that spastic crazy toddler walk. He was noticing everything today.

A broken stick. "Broooken stick, broooken stick."

A large fire ant marching aimlessly in circles. " BUG BUG BUG!"

Old gum, embedded in the concrete. "Yucky fo!"

It took awhile to get to the car. As we crossed the street and reached the next sidewalk, I spotted a cricket, happily jumping up the path.

Jackpot.

"Look!" I said, "a cricket!"

The Bear shrieked with happiness. He crouched low to the sidewalk and started talking to the cricket, giving him a friendly greeting. They chatted for awhile. The cricket would hop and the Bear would follow. He had a good 90 seconds of uninterrupted joy while we waited for Cubby and J to cross the road.

We talked about the crickets back legs and how those springy joints are perfect for those long jumps. We admired his sleek hard shell and the bright yellow tracing around his face. I even managed to teach the Bear how to say "antenna."

Then Cubby arrived.

He was excited to see the cricket as well. He bent over for a closer look and with a happy gurgle, reached down and bludgeoned the cricket to death with his chubby baby finger.

The Bear and I looked on with horror. I managed to recover quickly and said, "Ok! Naptime for the cricket." I reached down and picked up his crumpled body and tossed him into the bushes.

The Bear looked doubtful but said in his sweet little voice, "Goodnight Cricket, I love you!"

RIP Sunday morning cricket. Know that you brought immense joy to a little two year old boy during your short lifespan, even if his baby brother ruthlessly murdered you seconds later. We salute you.