The Day I Apologized to A Dead Worm

Sharing time with grandson Rowan brings joy to Alan and me. Rowan is two years old and full of love and laughter. Everything is a new adventure to him. From running in the backyard to chasing Olive, the Boston Terrier, to giving hugs, Rowan is a precious boy. His interest in everything brings chances for discussion and learning.

On a recent Saturday evening, Rowan's parents went out for a date night. Bop and Mimi (Alan and Melissa) arrived at their home to play with Rowan while his parents were away for a few hours. After saying goodbye to Mommy and Daddy, we dumped colorful blocks on the floor, arranged dinosaurs in a row on the table, read books aloud and we all enjoyed playing chase and building forts with blankets and couch cushions. A two years old never slows down until bedtime.

Pointing his finger toward the front door, Rowan stated, "Let's go outside. Let's go walk." Gathering our shoes from the closet, Bop and Mimi and Rowan readied for a short walk in the neighborhood. Fall has arrived and many homes displayed decorations. Rowan knows where all the fun pumpkins and spiders and bats are located. We walked and talked as he pointed to stop signs and cars and dogs barking.

At one point, Rowan stopped in his tracks and asked, "Mimi, do you hear that? It's the birds." I smiled and listening to the birds singing as they perched in trees and on telephone pole wires.

Another time, Rowan paused, turned his face upward and asked Bop to hold him. We had walked a long way. Everyone was tired.

Turning to head back home, a burst of energy found this two years old and he was ready to walk again.

We walked with a slower pace this time. He pointed out more interesting sights. Flowers, more dogs, more pumpkins and more birds.

The walk halted quickly and he looked at the sidewalk. I wondered what had happened.

"Mimi, you stepped on the worm. Mimi, say sorry to wormy."  I did not notice the dead worms on the sidewalk. I was busy watching this precious boy and how he enjoyed everything he saw.

After he told me again to tell wormy I was sorry, I did what Mimi's do. I apologized to the dead worm.

"Wormy, I am so sorry." Looking at the flattened dead worm that had probably been there all day, I felt the need to follow Rowan's request and say I was sorry.

Apology over, the walk continued. We arrived home and all was well.

Rowan helped us remember to enjoy simple things in life. Taking a walk in the neighborhood, listening to birds singing, enjoying fall decorations, noticing stop signs and yes, watching for dead worms on the sidewalk.

Thank you Rowan. You make us so happy.

Mimi and Bop love you very much.

Have you paused and enjoyed the sights and sounds around you? What have you noticed lately? Share with us.

Blessings,
Mimi