My Day of Adventure with Cody, Tara and Emily
by Avis Ward(40)GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
One evening about two weeks ago, my doorbell rang. I gazed at the clock which said 9:45, as I walked to the door. Turning on the light, I took a peep through the peephole. It was my new neighbor, Janie. Janie's a single parent.
I could sense her anxiety as she asked if I were available the next day to watch her children, primarily 5-year-old, Tara. The kids' babysitter canceled and Janie was obviously in a bind. I had met Dakota, but not Tara and he was a delightful 12-year-old. He is very smart, handsome and well-mannered. This was my first iimpression when I met him. It proved to be a lasting one, too.
They've been neighbors for approximately two months now. Janie's a paramedic and works 14-hour shifts for four days straight then gets three days off. Her shifts start at 8:00AM.
I agree to watch Tara. She didn't dare leave her darling little girl to suffer the playful antics of her brother without adult supervision. I'm nocturnal. Hard as I tried, I didn't fall asleep before 3:00AM. I set the alarm to 8:00AM as Cody would bring Tara over as soon as she woke up. I wanted to get showered and ready for my day of adventure with a 5-year-old.
Like clock work, Cody escorted this little adorable angel to my place. Her big blue eyes gazed up at me with a hint of trepidation. I smiled, extending a hand and introduced myself to her. She accepted it and replied with a toothless grin, that she was Tara. I immediately thought, "This kids' losing her teeth ahead of schedule! She'll likely mature fast! Poor mom and dad!"
I had the best day ever with these kids! Cody decided he wanted to 'hangout' with Tara and me so he came over with his PS2 / X-box stuff.
He'd leave periodically to check on Emily, his beloved Beagle or get a snack for himself. Tara and I had cereal. We later snacked on strawberries. She wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and apple slices for lunch. This was fun!
It was apparent Cody and Tara not only loved each other but adored and respected each other. I called her a little princess and under his breath, he assured me I'd have a change of heart, and very quickly.
They called me Ms. Avis without me asking and answered, "yes/no ma'am," too. I am old-fashioned but not a cackling hen. I loved it!
It wasn't long before Tara was in my lap, giving hugs and showing her affection towards me. I had no idea how I'd keep them busy for 14 hours but I did not have to try. They kept me busy!
When there was work to do, Tara and I climbed the stairs to my office, sat side-by-side, each with a computer at our disposal. She played games and I worked on a report. Cody was downstairs on my laptop looking for the biggest snakes in the world on YouTube to freak me out! I shouldn't have shared my fear of snakes with him.
Emily, the Beagle was the highlight of excitement. She took off in the neighborhood for all of 30 minutes but it seemed like hours as I watched a worried Cody. I would not permit him to leave out of my sight but assured him Emily would find her way home, it was in her nature.
Poor kid tried to tell me that others did not understand the bond he has with his dog. I played along and before his first tear fell, Emily came from the side of the house, wagging her tail and acting goofy as dogs do when they know they're in trouble.
I was getting sleepy and asked Tara if she took naps during the day. To this she replied, "Ms. Avis, I'm not a baby anymore! I don't take naps!"
I was crushed and prayed for a second wind. I had had all of 6 hours in the past 48 and I was crashing. That was when the kids decided to entertain me with their theatrical, martial arts, ballet and stunt maneuvers.
When they finished, they were ready for dinner and wanted Chinese carryout so I ordered something for delivery. We settled in after dinner and watched TV. I couldn't believe how quickly the day had passed. Cody, Tara, Emily and I had an adventurous day.
They're respectful of my time but I wish they came over more often. They don't use the doorbell so I know immediately who the soft knock is coming from as I run downstairs to whisk her in the air into my arms.
I told their mom what a wonderful job they have done with those children. There is no way they could have fooled me for 14 hours. It was around 2:00PM when I was given a life sentence. That was when Tara looked at me and said, "I love you Ms. Avis. I love you like I love mommy and Cody."
Cody came over earlier this week asking if I'd watch Spaceballs with him. It's one of his faves. Tara was with their grandparents. I was on the phone with one of my sisters and shared Cody's request. I told her, it would be the best movie I've ever seen. Well it wasn't but Cody thought so!
I'm waiting for Janie to ask me to keep them again. Those children and a boy's dog, blessed me. If I had the babysitter's number, I'd call her asking her to take a day off, again. You see, I fell in love, too.
Article submitted Saturday, July 11, 2009 & read 1118 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by sue thom from nj (1 year 19 days ago.)
hi avis,i'm glad you had such a good time with such nice and well behaved kids, who seem to share a lot of emotion.14 hours? yikes!only a good soul such as yourself would have said yes.i hope they visit more often.my best to you,and thank you for sharing,sueRespond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(40) (1 year 19 days ago.)
Hiya Sue, thank you! Those kids made my day. Now, I wouldn't want to do it every day but weekly would be fine by me if I were able. Cody is left alone so he comes over with unrestricted freedom. He'll leave me undisturbed when I'm working or come up and get on the Airdyne bike. They're a Godsend to me.
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» left by Shari Vaudo from Western NY (1 year 18 days ago.)
What a wonderful, heartfelt story, Avis. I loved every word of it; reminded me of when my kids were little and all the 'playing' we did together. Thanks for another great story.Shari VaudoRespond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward from SC (1 year 17 days ago.)
Shari, thank you for joining me on my adventure with these lovely children and a dog. I'm especially pleased, that a great storyteller herself thinks this was great. I consider myself a storyteaser so I'm working on it. I'm glad the story brought back wonderful memories for you.
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