HELLO SUNSHINE

It was getting so it took him forever just to put on a sweater, adjust his old hat just so and with a firm grip on his walking cane, start out for his daily stroll. Oh, there were getting to be to many times when the silly weather forced him to remain indoors. This caused him to grumble to no end. But today was going to be a good day. When he reached the sidewalk, he paused to turn his face up to the sun. My what a warm and friendly day it was today.

Slowly, patiently he began the journey to the park. It sure did take him longer these days, what with his stiffened old joints arguing with him every step of the way. He did not mind though, life was good to him.

He was coming up to the Henderson place and his pace seemed to quicken. A bit breathless, he came to a halt on the sidewalk in front of their property. He began humming a favorite tune, leaning heavily on his cane. He didn’t have long to wait.

From under a chair on the veranda, the old Tomcat meowed, a call meant only for his ears. Then ever so slowly, the cat appeared from his hiding place. Age had robbed the old Tom of both his looks and agility. It took him forever to drag his scruffy body one step at a time down the steps and across the lawn towards the figure of the patiently waiting man. Finally he sat before his friend.

He spoke softly then, “Hello Sunshine.” The cat blinked, gave a friendly yowl and even managed to sit up a bit straighter. The old man grinned down at him, “With all this rain the past couple of days I haven’t been out but I’m here now.” Reaching down, careful to not lose his balance he gently stroked the old Tom. “Three times, once for today, and twice for missing yesterday and the day before that.”

Smiling now, he straightened up. As if the cat understood that it was time for his friend to move on, he quickly stood and with a sideways leap he landed back on his owners lawn. Tail held high, he trotted back towards his favorite chair. This time he would snooze on it, not under it.

He sank down on the park bench, glad to finally have reached his destination. His weary old legs needed the rest. Resting both hands now on the cane propped before him, he smiled to himself, wondering who or what wonderful people or things he would get to see today in this green oasis of neatly trimmed grass and gently swaying trees. My, this city park was indeed a wee bit of heaven.

He closed his eyes and allowed his chin to come to rest on his chest. Softly he dozed in the day’s warmth. He didn’t have long to wait. He felt them approaching long before he heard them. Raising his chin ever so slightly, he opened his eyes and watched them. A mother and her young child. The mother’s face showed lines of exhaustion, her eyes filled with strain. And no wonder. The child was a boy of about five years of age. And his narrowed eyes matched his surely attitude perfectly. He strutted like he already owned the world. A world he was not fond of. The old man closed his eyes and dozed once again.

The boy stopped directly in front of him. Without warning he lashed his foot out, kicking the cane that the sleeping man was using to support himself. Somehow the man retained his grip on the cane, and although his ancient body tilted terribly foreword, he did not fall. Grabbing at her son’s arm, the mother’s cry was from so deep within her heart, “Steven, stop it, stop it, stop it.”

The boy wretched away from his mother, “Don’t touch me, I hate it when you touch me.” Ignoring his tantrum, she gently touched the old mans shoulder, “Sir, are you okay? My son tripped over your cane. I am so sorry,” her voice was close to a sob.

Slowly he raised his head, then he smiled, looking straight into the boy’s eyes, he said, “Hello Sunshine.” Their gazes locked in a battle of wills. Neither so much as blinking. The old man’s eye’s held the warmth of the sun, the boys eyes grew ever so bewildered. Then, with one gnarled hand, the man gently reached out and stroked the boy’s cheek. The boy at first remained stiff, hating this world, hating his world. Then the fierceness left him, he trembled, his cockiness replaced by the child within. Turning, the boy now gazed up at his mother who stood silently suffering. One small hand slowly reached out and took her pale one. “Momma, I’m sorry if I caused any trouble, I really am. Can we go home now and maybe have an ice cream cone?” “Please, Momma?” In shock, for her son had never volunteered to take her hand before, let alone say please, she gave a small smile to the man and let her son gently lead her by her hand towards home. The old man sighed, smiled and once again let himself doze on this bright, beautiful day.

The walk home always seemed longer, he was sure feeling his age these days. Letting himself into his house, he carefully hung up his hat, placed his walking cane in its holder and hung up his sweater. Perhaps he would make himself a wee cup of tea and then have a nap before making supper. Entering the kitchen, he chuckled softly, for there perched on the lid of the kettle was his friend. Stretching its glorious wings, the snow white Dove tipped its head in greeting to him. He smiled and said, “Hello Sunshine.”

THE END