The Splash Pad

This afternoon, I found myself soaking in the simple joys of summer at our local splash pad. Nothing fancy, just sunshine, cool water, and the sound of children laughing as they raced through jets, waited for the giant bucket to dump, and spun the gears that sent water flying like a sprinkler on overdrive.

I sat back with my iced coffee, letting the sun warm my skin and the giggles around me soak into my spirit. I wasn't writing today, just reading, losing myself in someone else's story while my grandson made the afternoon his own adventure. He darted from one group of kids to the next, calling each of them his friend, as if the water itself had connected them all. No hesitation. No worry. Just pure confidence that friendship was waiting wherever he landed.

Watching him made me think of Annie the Porcupine. She's not quite that fearless. Annie does worry if everyone likes her. She hesitates, afraid she doesn't fit in or isn't doing it "right." But what makes Annie so special is that she shows up anyway, sometimes snarky, sometimes sassy, with plenty of attitude, and always ready to stand her ground, hoping someone will meet her halfway.

And honestly? That's what a lot of us are still learning to do.

Today reminded me that stories like Annie's matter; not just for kids, but for anyone who's ever stood on the edge of a splash pad, unsure if they belong. Because the truth is, they do. We all do.