The Child

I remember the hill at 119th Street that was just around the corner from where we lived on Sixth Avenue.  The warm weather would find the hill vacant of children, but with the first snowfall, came the excitement of neighborhood children, screaming, running and crying with delight, as they grabbed for their sleds and dragged the runner sleds up to the top of the hill, anticipating the ride down.

I remember a young girl with dreams and hopes of becoming the very best at whatever she did, standing at the top, her subjects obediently waiting until she gave the signal to start.  Then all at once they were running and diving head first onto their sleds each one anxious to make the first run.  Time and time again, she was determined to be the fastest, go the furthest and beat everyone back up to the top.

Dear child, sweet child as you are.  You long to be "King of The Hill" and you will fight the last one who tries to take that away from you.  The Wilson brothers are probably the best example I could use.  You are determined to beat anyone who tries to do you one better.  I say, there may be times when you have to give in to another person but that will not make you any less than who you are, for in order to win, you have to understand loosing.

Great things are going to happen to you as you get older, although you will find things won't always be easy.  You will find yourself continually chasing the next sunrise, setting your goals too high, meeting challenges head on, and sometimes making wrong decisions.  But you've got what it takes to get you through everything.

You are going to meet some wonderful people in your life who will help you grow in all ways.  Compassion will be your virtue and many will seek your friendship for this reason.  Some of these friendships will last a life time and some will cause you to hurt for a lifetime.  You have the ability to listen and understand others and this will be your guide throughout your life.

Many people will not understand you and may even criticize and find fault in what you believe, though it doesn't really matter what other people think, as long as you believe in yourself.  One day you will find yourself using your gifts to help others, and although you won't realize it at the time, you will be throwing some people a lifeline.

You are going to grow up embracing life and you already have a head start.  You love to read, so read as much as you can, lose yourself in the story, feel yourself in the words, write poetry, write songs, experience the moment.  Go ahead and be the child that you are and try to remember to keep that child with you as you begin to grow up.  Too many adults forget about the child inside and as they grow up, they grow old.

Dear child, sweet child, remember who I am as I will remember you.  I give these words to you to help you to remember.

Time has placed a distance in our lives and often time away can help us realize. Feelings will not disappear because you are no longer near. I'll forever hold you close throughout time.

The hill at 119th Street is once again covered with snow.  The children race by me as each one tries to beat the other for the best spot at the top of the hill, each calling out for it.  It has become harder for me to climb, every step causing my heart to beat faster, loud within my ears, and my breath is difficult to catch.

The child watches from a distance, at the top of the hill, as the picture fades from my mind.