Pass it on,

 

I remember my mother playing with me. Not a lot, I was the oldest of four children in five years. Much of what we did together was imitating adult work, but it was fun for me. I had a real iron so I ironed Daddy's handkerchiefs. I embroidered hankies in cross stitch. I "helped" with my younger siblings, but we still played sometimes and it was often make believe. 

My fourth birthday party was attended by all my dolls and stuffed animals. Mommy and I cleaned each one up getting them ready and then she had each one knock on the door which I answered as they came to the party. Some of them played drop the clothespin in the milk bottle with us. It was a wonderful party!

I passed that on, playing with my children. Only I had more time than my mother did. My daughter was five years older than the boys who were 18 months apart. During their childhoods we built castles in the basement made out of old furniture, boxes and butcher paper on a roll. The turret was a high chair, the swings I hung from the rafters, rocket ships. We went on adventures and did amazing things.

Now my son just sent me a video of him playing with his favorite little person. They were on an adventure in space and the backyard was a universe full of obstacles. I watched the enthusiasm and joy in that little boy's face as he revved up batteries, leaped over monsters and got ready to take off in the swing and I saw how clearly we pass on the love in our lives.