Earlier in the week, I settled on taking the kids to the Fall Festival in the park on Saturday. Even though I felt better than last night, I wasn’t completely up for an outing but did not want to disappoint them. I psyched myself up as best I could to not be a drag, but I definitely could have been cheerier. It didn’t help that this whole thing reminded me of the first time Ali and I hung out. I know it sounds silly, but I fell in love with him that day. He showed me how big and sensitive his heart could be, and I wanted to live inside of it. I’d never met anyone who was like me in that way.
Near the entrance, carved pumpkins were on display, presumably for a contest happening later. Or maybe it already happened. We looked at them, but I don’t think any of us were interested…unless you count Alessia using them to make fun of Luca.
“Hey, Luca! That one has your face!”
I am so impressed by my little guy. Is it weird that I want to be more like him? The way he ignores his sister’s antics takes a significant amount of strength and maturity. He is so assured of himself, nothing ruffles his feathers. I love that about him. I wish I had that quality.
The festival wasn’t as lively as I thought it would be. There were stages prepared for performances and an area for a movie in the park, but none of that happened while we were there. Maybe we came too early. One thing we could do was skate. I hadn’t done that since that first “date” with Ali.
I put on my skates and got on the rink while my children watched, deciding if it was a good idea or not. Luca seemed especially hesitant and watched me for a few laps before joining. He was unsteady, as we all were our first time on skates, so I stayed close.
Alessia eventually determined that skating was ok and joined us. She, however, was not hesitant as Luca was and tried to speed skate out of the gate. I should have known she’d be that way. That girl does nothing slow, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for her. But skating was a new skill she didn’t have, so as quickly as she began, she ended up on the floor. Luca fell too, but I was right behind him the first time. They both spent time on the floor that afternoon, but they got right back up and tried again. I was so proud of them. Falling and getting back up was the only way they could learn to skate properly, so I backed off and left them alone.
Someone must have noticed us and remembered to turn on the lights and music, and I was glad. It really helped me get my mind off my falling children and remember how fun skating actually is. It’s been ages, and I had forgotten I was good at it once upon a time. The music took over my skates and glided me all over that rink. I felt so free and had so much fun. I really needed that.
