Ethan's Pockets

     My son has always been a treat.  He ponders life.  He endears himself to people and special treasures.  He keeps track of things in an almost methodical way.  Some call him a hoarder in the making...I like to think of him as brilliantly creative, but I'm partial.  The "woobie of the day" started when he was quite young.  He would find something to cling to for dear life all day.  If that trinket was put down somewhere and "misplaced", a frantic search would ensue.  It could be any old thing but for some reason it warmed his little heart that particular day.  It could have been an action figure,  a stuffy or any other various item.  One favorite of mine was a plastic container of gummy bears complete with price sticker from the supermarket.  That one lasted for the longest period going on for what felt like an eternity.  It's not always easy to explain why your two year old is carrying a container of colorful teddies.   Won't even begin to describe the panic as the lid fell off one day at a restaurant and his "friends" spilled to the floor.   

     The woobie has progressed.  A chosen pal is picked daily for sharing his bed for the night.  A backpack sometimes holds an incredible bulk of goodies that simply HAVE to be with him for the outing.  His pockets have become a metaphorical tide pool - teeming with random bits of booty from all corners of his psyche.  It is not odd to find such things as: a peanut, a loose mint, coins needed for the quarter collection, a plastic egg and the random Star Wars lego bit.  

     Through people's fascination of what could be hiding within the small denim or coat pocket a new project has been born...#6 on my list.  

     The seed of this project was born in a second floor waiting room at Pocono Medical Center.  My friends had come to support me after we found out the terrible news.  While sitting at a desk in the nurses' station I was told via phone that my Mother had "hours" to live.  Thankfully, a chair supported me as sounds began to fade and vision began to blur.  Moments later I would be hugging my dearest friends and family.  In the midst of the waiting room a peanut was spotted coming out of my son's pocket.  Laughter and smiles snapped me back to role of Mom and I was able to relish in the moment. It was in this instant ,surrounded by those I loved, that a wonderful new idea was born.  Thanks to Ryan, Tina and Jenne for encouraging the seed to grow into something more.   Most of all I thank this little wackadoo for giving me the pause to smile and for helping me in this dark moment more than he could ever know.