Haystacks
Have you seen my needle?
In a few minutes Jason and I are leaving to attend a graduation party; not unusual, given the season and Jason’s profession. But this party is different. It is for one of my kids, not Jason’s.
I met Shelby when he was 18 months old. His mother was a former teacher and a dear friend. They had moved to Charlotte a year before Shelby was born. I remember the first time I saw his face. He was sitting at the breakfast table, with oatmeal all over his little square head. He looked at me and giggled and I was in love.
I moved in with the family and became Shelby’s nanny. We spent every day together. We learned to play catch, our ABC’s and every word to the dialog and soundtrack of The Little Mermaid. We chased butterflies, caught frogs and planted flowers. I taught him the Vulcan greeting, sort of…he never got the finger placement exactly right and he would only say “POCK!”. Never Spock and never “Live long”.
When Shelby started school, there was no longer a need for a nanny. We’ve kept in touch over the years and today I celebrate a milestone in his life. I hope in some small way I have helped to shape this sensitive, intelligent, passionate young man who will no doubt change the world.
