Lantwin

Yesterday, because of an all day rain, the children got to spend their time in the house. In the afternoon they invited me to a memorial service. After following them to the kitchen I found the table with a folder stuffed to the capacity plus several sample pieces of the folder spread out for me to view. "We're saying good-bye to Lantwin and putting it to rest," they said. Sunbeam rose to the occasion by sniffing quietly and wiping pretend tears.

 

 

Lantwin is the name they gave to their imaginary pioneer town that they had on the steep hill behind the house. I still remember the day they chose the name. We had just finished reading a book called Lantern in the Window and by condensing the name they came up with Lantwin. It would be a place of hope and welcome to everyone.

 

Sailor put the most effort into Lantwin, drawing detailed maps, creating laws, and everything else it takes to run a successful town. And all three of them spent hours playing on the hill.

 

"I think we've grown out of it," Sailor told me. "It used to be a lot of fun, but it doesn't seem the same this summer. So we decided we will be throwing all this stuff away and Lantwin can just be the hill behind the house again."

 

They each shared some fond memories of their time playing there, but before the folder could be disposed of I asked if they would mind too much if I got to keep it.

 

They agreed. I gathered up all the papers and tucked them away where they would be safe while wiping a not so imaginary tear from my eyes. My babies are growing up and I find it to be so bittersweet.