As is so often the case, it is the unplanned and unexpected that turn the simple things in life to fond memories. With Aiden’s arrival for a weekend visit with Mommy and Brent, we head out for a day of photographic play and childlike adventures. Visiting the word through Aiden’s imagination is like stepping through the looking glass with Alice. We find ourselves joining forces with brave knights to battle fierce dragons. We scale precarious fortress walls, live to tell tales of walking the plank, and endure a siege to win back the keys to the castle by our very bravery.
We bow low to the maidens in the castle; and promise to return. Off we go to more magical places, where turtles and fish live in harmony with fairies. The vibrant tropical pants that thrive here in this northern climate owe their survival to the dancing fairies that sprinkle magic dust upon them daily. The ornamental cabbages and mums quietly divert attention from the delicate among them by standing guard at the entrance. They are the hardy souls here. They demand attention, and by their very nature, draw evil doers away from the inner sanctum. We pay homage to the fairies, who sprinkle their magical dust upon us. We are forever protected from harm. Fortified with power puffs, disguised as popcorn, we are now ready for our next adventure.
Aiden’s bravery is always present, but never more so then when we visit Madame Sherri’s Forest. Aiden is the first to detect monsters just beyond the dark dank arches behind the mystery staircase. He warns us all of the evil voices coming from the depth, and we tread cautiously. Though we are protected with fairy dust, even brave knights, such as we, are not fools. We make wide circles and tread quietly by the arched openings to the monster lairs.
The staircase to nowhere beckons the brave boy, but his wise old Memere disapproves of the climb alone. Papo volunteers to accompany Sir Aiden to the top. What Aiden discovers can only be seen with the eyes of the innocent, and we are shocked to learn the truth. We, hardened by life, and victims of skepticism, could never see, and would never have known if not for the innocence of childhood eyes, that these steps are not an ascending spiral to nowhere. Instead, they lead to the very portal of a parallel world. Papo holds tightly to Aiden to keep him from stepping across into this parallel reality. Papo is wise and knows that hard hearted skeptical people worn down by life cannot cross this threshold. It is a place for the innocent only and we selfishly hold fast to Aiden and keep him for ourselves.
Before we end our day, we stop to admire a covered bridge. Again, it is Aiden who realizes we have not just crossed a bridge. In traversing the span we have unwittingly stepped back in time. The horse drawn carriages surround us. We even witness a fine being levied to one for trotting his horse faster than a walk across the bridge; a law which is strictly enforced in these parts. We notice the sun is setting and if we do not hurry back across the waters of this river via the covered bridge, we will be forever relegated to living out our lives in this long forgotten century. Our fairy dust serves us well this day, and before long we are home safely again. Young Sir curls in his Memere’s lap for the evening and she strokes his hair. While the movie drama plays on the screen before them, they both know, there is no better adventure than to spend a day with your family.
Be sure to see all of the photos from
Aiden's Magical Tour.
2 comments:
Nice day Pat. Can't wait for grand children. I'll try to do it right this time and take the time to enjoy the moment more.
Rich
Pat,
Thanks for this great story. We've been trying to get to Madame Sherri's all year and will try to visit before it's covered in snow. Your photos and story make it all the more appealing.
See you soon? Riding season may be over...
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