Red

Business at the shop will be slow. After a long, cold winter, this is the first warm spring day we’ve had, and people are wasting no time getting outdoors to enjoy it. Through the picture window, I see everyone in a good mood, laughing and talking as they go by in shorts and T-shirts. And once again, I am stuck inside, watching the clock. I was settling in for a long day when the bell above the door rang. I perked up as an adorable young man entered. Smiling brightly, he was the picture of health and full of life. Offering a friendly greeting, he introduced himself as Henry.

He looked around for a few minutes until I caught his eye, and he shifted his focus to me. Once in a while, somebody gives me a second glance, but I usually go unnoticed.  Henry studied me intensely; there was an instant connection between us.  His straightforward, uncomplicated manner put me at ease. Henry saw me for who I am, not just what I look like.  He marveled that I wore red, his all-time favorite color, and told me I was too pretty to stay cooped up in a dusty old shop. I belonged in the sunshine and fresh air where I could be free.

I used to believe that too, but I’d given up on the idea it would ever happen to me. Henry’s enthusiasm renewed my hope; he had big plans for us, and we would have such fun together. I could have listened to him talk forever. But he said he had something to do and promised to pick me up later this afternoon! I was thrilled.

But as the hours passed, I wondered if it was foolish to think this wonderful stranger would return to whisk me away. The shop was closing in five minutes.  I’d almost decided it was too good to be true when the bell over the door rang for the second time today.  My heart soared. Henry had come back for me, just like he said he would!

 An attractive gentleman with silver hair and a golf tan accompanied him. Henry couldn’t wait to introduce us. Grandpa Joe looked at me approvingly and said, “She’s a real beauty! They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. I understand why you were so excited about finding her. She’s perfect for you.” There was a little discussion that I couldn’t hear. Then Henry said, “Come on, Red, you’re going with us!” I swooned! He called me “Red”.  I’d never had a nickname before!  Oh, he was so cute I could hardly stand it! How could I be this lucky?  For once, I didn’t overthink things and left the shop with them. Spontaneity was new to me, and I was surprised to find it so exhilarating. Grandpa Joe and Henry talked excitedly about a surprise, and I went along for the ride. We ended up at the park.

Many folks walked dogs, played frisbee, rode bikes, and caught up with friends and neighbors. Being out of the shop was excellent, and I felt so alive.  Grandpa Joe and Henry led me to a blue and white checkered blanket spread over the fresh green grass. An elegant older lady in a red dress sat beside a wicker basket brimming with grapes, cheese, French bread, and other goodies. Her face lit up, “There you are!” Grandpa Joe answered, “Hello, my dear. Goodness, what a spread you’ve brought for us!” She giggled, “Well, it is our grandson’s birthday, and our tradition is to picnic in the park. Happy Birthday, my Sweet Boy! Are you too big for me to call you that?”  Henry took a seat next to her and gave her a big hug, “Never!  And thank you, Grandma!” With a mischievous grin, he teased,” But did you remember the strawberry cake?”  She patted his knee, “As if I would forget! That’s part of the tradition, too. Now, who do we have here?”

Henry proudly introduced me, “I would like for you to meet Red! Isn’t she a beauty?” Grandma approved, “Oh, Henry, she is just right!” It was the finest picnic I’d ever attended, and this was the most perfect day ever. Lying on the picnic blanket, I was content. However, Henry had a hard time sitting still and fidgeted with something in his hands. Suddenly, he jumped up and ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction. I was startled and had no idea what led him to this strange behavior.  Grandpa Joe got to his feet and yelled after him, “Wait, Henry! It is not time yet!” I felt an undeniable pull, and seconds later, I was dragged from the blue and white blanket into the grass. Grandpa Joe came to my rescue, gently lifting me off the ground to inspect me for injury. We were both relieved that I wasn’t hurt. A gust of wind came out of nowhere and snatched me roughly from the safety of Grandpa Joe’s hands.

 I was rising very quickly, entirely out of my control and at the mercy of the wind.  This was my worst nightmare because I have always had a terrible fear of heights. Floating aimlessly in mid-air, I started to panic and thought I might faint. Too afraid to look down, a firm tug from below sent me reeling to the right. The next one had me careening to the left. I didn’t know if I was strong enough to endure, worried this might rip me apart. I vowed that if I got out of this in one piece, I would not have anything to do with Henry!  The worst was yet to come. It got even scarier when I felt no pull from below and was tossed about in the wind with nothing to tether me. I thought all was lost and only God could find me.

Then, a gentle tug slowly brought me back to Earth. The wind loosened its grip, and I floated in the spring breeze while feeling safely connected to the ground. It was enjoyable, and I began to chill for the first time since my odyssey began. A gal could get used to this. In a moment, I felt comfortable enough to see what was happening on the ground. The surprise was bigger than anything I could have imagined! Henry, Grandpa Joe, and Grandma were so proud, clapping and cheering me on. People all over the park looked up at me, waving and shouting, “Go Red, go Red! Look at you! You got this!” Their support helped me realize what I was made to do! I am a kite, and I am supposed to fly high.