Tonka Trucks

Sometimes it’s the small things in life that can open up a fountain of tears. This morning we were getting things loaded in the van that we are selling or giving away to some friends in Brasov – the washer, dryer, dishwasher, some small appliances, Holly’s tricycle and outgrown clothes. When I walked outside, I saw sitting near the van, apparently waiting to be loaded, some little yellow trucks. Gabriel’s Tonka Trucks. “Are you giving away Gabe’s Tonka Trucks?” I asked John in a tone of voice that made it obvious that I did not like the idea. Gabe just looked at me and shrugged his shoulders and said, “I’m not going to play with them anymore.” That did it. The tears came, slowly at first because I really did not have time to cry. I still had to focus my attention elsewhere. Gabe, who never likes to see me upset, came to me later and told me that I could keep the trucks if I wanted to. “Yes, I know I can. But I can’t keep your childhood. That is forever gone and those trucks are just a representation of the little boy I raised.” It’s just stuff! That is my motto for the next few days. I am glad to be able to give the trucks to another little boy here in Romania. I have the memories to cherish in my heart.