If there is not a hurricane threatening the coast of Louisiana, October is the best month of the year. I love October. The air goes from a balmy, humid, highs-in-the-90’s to crisp, windy, highs-in-the-70’s. This year, three days after Hurricane Zelda, Halloween Day was one of those perfect weather days.
At my daughter’s house, Leo lay sleeping, their dog was “at camp”, and all the doors were wide open. Grant, my son-in-law, had built a fire in the fire pit. He was drawing Halloween characters in chalk on the sidewalk while a gumbo simmered on the stove.
I’m not sure if it’s being a certain age or the whole weirdness of 2020, but I have been more in tune to finding Joy, and I just felt in my soul this was going to be a Joy-filled day.
I had the privilege of waking Leo from his nap. When I walked in, he was curled around a plush bunny with his heavy diaper sticking up, a pose we call child’s pose in yoga for a reason. I tickled his back, and he slowly woke with an expression of happy anticipation on his sleep-lined face. He knew this was a special day.
Leo’s excitement for this day was increasing by the minute. He was awed by everything, the chalk drawn characters, the costumes, the fake spider hangings, blow-up pumpkins and witches and ghosts. Neighbors dropped by, and he marveled at their children, two little boys one 3 years old and the other 19 months, just his size. (Leo is 22 months) He doesn’t quite play with others as much as they play around each other. But he quickly learned their names and was calling after them when they left.
To prepare for Halloween, I borrowed a butterfly costume from a friend and bought Leo a caterpillar costume from Target. It fit well, and he loved it! His favorite thing to do was run in and out of my flowing butterfly wings. He says “flutterfly” and “paterpillar.”
My greatest joy was walking hand in hand down the street while Leo talked nonstop, “Light! Pumpkin! People! Man! Excited!” Every word he knew in a stream of exclamation.
These are frightening times we are living in, but in the eyes of a toddler holding hands with his grandmother, life is full of Joy and Wonder.
Reflections on the Teche 
Beautiful picture. I think we could all benefit from looking at things through a child’s eyes.
Little children with their innocence and ability to be awed by everything bring great joy. You are lucky to have this little bundle of joy in your family.
Perfect costumes. Thanks for sharing your joy.
I needed to read a joy-filled post today. Isn’t grandparenting the best way to seize that joy?
Thank you!
I love how you coordinated your costumes, and how perfect that you chose a butterfly this year! Also, your final line is perfect: “These are frightening times we are living in, but in the eyes of a toddler holding hands with his grandmother, life is full of Joy and Wonder.”
For this statement I am smiling, Margaret: “…but in the eyes of a toddler holding hands with his grandmother, life is full of Joy and Wonder.” I can just imagine how wonderful your Halloween was with little Leo. I watched my little girls parade as princesses online and that touched my heart.
What a wonderful slice for today. I’m feeling the joy all the way here. You are one fortunate Grandma with such a little luv to walk around Halloween with. I’m so glad Leo is building a web of memories with you. So very, very special.
Oh my, Margaret, you two look adorable! Thank you for sharing your joyful Halloween with your grandson!
This post and that photo fill my heart with joy, Margaret.
Nothing beats the grandma gig for gladness and joy! Loved sharing your joy-filled day.