paradoxum

I am the father of five wonderful children. My oldest recently graduated from High School and turned eighteen. My youngest is about to turn eight. A few days ago my three youngest children left home on a glorious adventure with their grandparents, aunts and uncles.

My house is very quiet.

In fact, right now, I hear a lawn mower playing a tune in a neighbors yard down the street. I hear the keys on the keyboard clicking and clacking. I hear the whine of the A/C (yes, it's ridiculously hot). I usually can't hear those kinds of noises. I am alone.

I miss my kids. I miss the noise of my family. I miss hearing my name called.

I miss telling stories.

In fact, I've decided that the one thing I love doing the most I will not be able to do for very much longer. I love saying these four words..."once upon a time". Just reading those words gives me a start and I feel anticipation swelling up in me as I know I am about to open a window and fly away to a world that is untameable, wild and free. Best of all, I will take a child with me...and he/she will never be the same.

I love the reaction of my two smallest children when I say..."a long time ago in a far away country...". In that brief moment I know that fairytales are real. I do believe they are realer than reality. And...of course...there is always a sort of relieved sadness when the tale is told and we have to return from Neverland. I remember how much I loved going there with my father and grandfather, even if it usually meant the thing I hated most as a boy was quickly approaching: sleep.

Sadly, I don't think I will be going there much longer...and the silence I now hear is a reminder of how quiet my life will be. If, for some reason, God takes me home in that silent hour...I will be glad...for that will be the beginning of a story that I hope will have no end. And if he doesn't, then I will be ready...and waiting...for my fellow traveler not yet arrived whose eyes will sparkle with mischievous delight when I say the magic words..."once upon a time".