Vermont is reaching toward spring; a slow go but the signs are there. A weekend visit to my daughter’s home just three hours south of mine was underway. Spring had noticeably arrived in Massachusetts. Cherry blossoms exquisitely pink. Tulips in bold shades of red. The grass greening…
A busy grandparenting weekend planned. A trip to a local favorite farm that my daughter and granddaughter had already visited was on our agenda. I couldn’t wait to join the fun. My daughter had shared a video of my 19-month-old granddaughter, Belle’s first visit so I had an inkling of the pending adventure. Since her last and recent visit two baby goats had been born and more were on the way…
The drive to the farm was filled with snacks and music. My daughter’s playlist had dramatically shifted from her favorite bands to Raffi. A surprise addition of Baby Shark had us all singing and laughing. A crowd pleaser for sure…
Upon arrival we bought a brown paper bag partially filled with green beans provided by the farm to feed the goats. Packaged and ready for little hands to easily access. The excitement was palpable. Belle’s small multi-colored New Balance sneakers barely touched the hay covered wooden planked barn floor as we entered the goat section. Just five or six stalls. A mama soon to deliver. Baby goats and their mama next door. Goats eagerly poking their head through the stall railings in anticipation of a treat…
Belle knew the drill and was all in! A quick reminder on how to offer a green bean to a goat was met with focus and enthusiasm. She ran from goat to goat making sure each one was fed. Repeatedly. And then again. Well-practiced in just minutes. With each take of a bean her little feet happily danced. The innocence. The genuine delight exhibited was infectious. Soon we were on our way home floating on our wonderful new memory. Simple and pure…
Early the next morning before I was to drive back to Vermont Belle and I spent some time dancing, reading books and looking out the front window in search of a neighborhood waking. I was holding her while we were playing a toddler version of “I spy.” A baby bunny just inches long hopped across the sidewalk outside their home. She squealed in delight, and I am certain I did too. Something about seeing the world anew through her young eyes and hopeful heart…
“Kids make you want to start life over” -Muhammad Ali
