Two memories

Trying this again since my first memory did not post...

I remember the first time I met David. Nicholas had been invited to Forrest's 5th birthday (could it have been 4th, or even 3rd?). September 22 if I remember correctly. Before that day, Stephanie and I had been drop off buddies, watching our little ones disappear into the realm of Miss Connie, sharing observations, approving the start of our children's first 'school' friendship.

I stepped into the Hardy's backyard feeling this was important, a milestone of social something. It was a beautiful day, which makes the memory all the more vivid.

I walked over to Stephanie, holding Nicky's hand, glancing up to see thin, animated man leading a group of pre schoolers in a line around the yard. Amazingly he kept the children in order, his southern accent rising to call out directions.

Nicholas drops my hand and joins the group instinctively. 'Who's that?' I ask Stephanie. 'My husband, David. He's worked out a treasure hunt for the kids.' She smiles, hinting that it's sort of elaborate.

The children continued to follow David to the front of the house, up the side steps, down to the lake, around various trees, and back again. All chattering excitably, everyone included, David paying close attention. The first of many treasure hunts he would lead.

I have another memory of picking up Nicky after a play date. As usual, he and Forrest were deep into an imaginary adventure,, so I thought it was easier to hang around rather than pull them out of their play reverie. David took a break from his drafting table to suggest we walk to the pond right outside their yard.

It was another beautiful day. I mentioned that since I didn't know how to swim, I'd never been in a rowboat. David said, 'Don't worry about that - get in!' I climbed into the rowboat sitting there on the bank.

Looking forward to a relaxing row on the pond, I was was shocked to see David push the boat out from the shore without getting in.

'David!' I screamed, 'What the hell are you doing?!' I was really angry.

'Don't worry, you'll be fine,' he said walking away, 'just row that way.' pointing in the opposite direction.

After a couple of minutes of complete panic, yelling like a lunatic from the boat, I relaxed. I noticed how serene everything was on the pond. I rowed back the way David had pointed.

'How was it?' he asked, smiling a big smile as I disembarked.

'It was great!' I said, smiling a big smile back.

Thank you David.