The Sights of Spring

I still remember the first time I saw them. It was a warm spring day. They were out for a walk, just like today; a mother and child strolling along enjoying the sunshine. I enjoy watching them. Each year they appear on a warm spring day, taking in all of the wonders of nature's rebirth.

Today as everyday the mother is wearing a bright pink sun dress, sometimes floral but always with a shade of pink. Her child's' style has changed somewhat over the years from pastel dresses to jeans and t-shirts to her present attire of mostly black. This beautiful young woman who must by now be in her late teens has dyed her golden locks jet black and she wears all black attire, except, for one accessory. Today she is wearing black slacks with a black tank top and a bright pink belt. Others days she has worn black shorts over fishnet stockings with black cotton or silk blouse and a bright pink bow in her hair. My favorite is the days she will wear a long flowing dress that moves with her every step. If I watch closely every few steps I will catch the glimpse of bright pink sneakers peeking out from under her dress.

The first time I saw her she wasn't much more than a toddler. Holding her mommies hand and slowly walking along. She wore pretty pink dresses with pastel floral trim and white ruffled ankle socks with shiny pink patent leather shoes. Her golden locks tied in pig tales with bright pink ribbons. She would be strolling along holding onto her mothers hand and a doll with her other, dragging it along beside her. Every now and then she would let go of her mothers hand and run ahead to investigate some wonderful find. Then back to her mommy's side to stroll along hand in hand taking in all of the wonders the new spring had to offer.

As they strolled closer to me that first day I realized something did not seen quite right. The little girls doll, was it a doll? Carefully gripping the toy and dragging it along beside her as if it were walking with them, this must be her favorite toy. I still remember that first day my mind realized what my eyes were seeing. This pretty little girl strolling along with her mommy on this warm spring day was dragging along beside her, a rubber chicken.