Our Suburban Adventure

            “Who wants to come on errands with me?”

Surely, any normal child would stare blankly, for a few moments, before returning their attention back to their Game Boy. But I was no ordinary child. When my dad posed the intriguing question, time in and time out, I would dutifully answer, “I do!”

            The massive Home Depot shelves loomed above us like the Pyramids of Egypt; it was exhilarating. I think it gave me dad joy to see me little face, awash with awe and fear. Sometimes, if I was lucky, we would venture into the wild jungle known as the Home Garden section. Truly, the Amazon Rain forest did not contain as many models of floral perfection. The lighting section contained more sources of illumination than the night sky, and the most comforting summer breeze could not compare to the breath of fresh air that dozens of spinning ceiling fans provided.  I never knew what we were buying, and I didn’t care. Shopping was an adventure.

            Now, as an increasingly cynical adult, during the rare times I am at home, my dad will, with a bit more hesitation, ask the age-old question. And, regardless of the circumstance, my younger self dutifully responds as always, and we retreat into our own private adventure, where the world, for a time, can’t touch us; no matter how old we are.