Joy is plentiful atop the hill where sticks are swords...

Today a vision. BOY on a playdate with one of his best friends at a local park...

They run toward each other as if in slow motion...at the last second stopping short with a shuffling of feet, looking sideways with shy grins to see what the other does. Then they are off! Flying feet and wide open smiles rocketing to the playground. An hour of games with climbing towers and being Power Rangers. Then rounded up by moms and herded with smaller sisters to a spot under canopied trees, cradled by large boulders for a picnic lunch. Mothers and daughters focus on eating, boys up and down- quick bites for fuel. Chasing squirrels and the elusive sunshine on a cool day. Joy is plentiful atop the hill where sticks are swords, cheeks are flushed and the world is theirs. A dirt mound, a volcano... with hot lava and imagined perils. A few tumbles and falls, occasional hurt feelings, but most of all love. As only little boys can. On a hilltop covered with boulders, waving sticks and allowed to be boys.

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