We had no business being here, strolling the community yard sale, looking at stuff suspiciously like our stuff we need to get rid of. But it was a fresh spring day, we met up with old friends, and we had an excuse. We closely examined the booster seat, baby gate, the puzzles and board games, in anticipation of our grandchildren coming to visit us this August.
My husband caught up to us, carrying his purchase. What made him fork over his two dollars? It was a plastic lawn mower. You know this toy, for a toddler to walk behind mimicking his Daddy; a suburban dream. As it is pushed it makes a noise that is supposed to be entertaining, inspiring baby to keep walking. This one’s green, red and tan plastic was truly sun-faded, and it had that look of a grimy, long-forgotten toy.
It might sound as if I disapproved of this purchase. In fact, I was delighted. Perfect for our grandbaby who would be a new walker when we saw him next. And even though he is growing up in a city apartment and will never see his Daddy OR Mommy mowing, I think he might just come to love it in our back yard.
Ten minutes farther along the yard sale we are passing more blankets spread out and folding tables, considering wedge sandals and a new jigsaw puzzle (does it really still have ALL it’s pieces?) when a lady runs up to stop my husband. With her is a young boy, with dark, weekend-mussed hair and string-bean legs in shorts. She doesn’t want the lawn mower back, she just wants to take a last photo of her son with it, before it goes away. (Perhaps to compare with an old photo? I wonder.) And then a second boy, taller and lankier than his younger brother, also has a photo taken with the faded lawn mower.
They wave goodbye and disappear in the crowd. And I am filled with a sweet feeling, happy to give their lawn mower a new life. If only for two weeks this summer. (And then it will go into OUR give-away pile.)
Pencilonmybackporch 
This is truly a small moment and so beautifully written. The description of the young boys was so vivid: string-bean legs, weekend-muss, lankier. And the actual picture of the toy mower in the yard, makes the piece come full circle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My children loved playing with their toy lawnmower! I think it is a wonderful purchase for your grandchild, to enjoy this summer. That was really sweet, how the mom came and took a final picture or two with her kids and the toy. They grow too fast! This phrase of yours made me giggle (I know this feeling well, when browsing!) – “suspiciously like our stuff we need to get rid of”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much is shown by the lady taking a photo with her sons by the toy.
ALso interesting to think how apartment life is different than signle family home life. Can’t wait for your grandbaby to give this toy a try. I predict his big brother and sister might have to give it a try too! A perfect purchase by grandpa!!
LikeLike
This brings back such sweet memories for me. Some memories are just too hard to go of, and I am sure this family was feeling the same thing. Enjoy!
LikeLike
I so appreciate the way you describe your visit to the yard sale. I had a similar incident recently when I saw a baby changing table and stopped to take a look. It needed to be trashed. Ugh. Anyway, the photo of the toy lawn mower is awesome. I think your husband got a great buy! Enjoy your visit with your grandchildren this summer:)
LikeLike
What a sweet post—and story of our connection to one another. I love that, in addition to imagining the toddling child pushing the “Velveteen” lawnmower, you actually got to meet him, then them, and give your own grandson’s developing story a backstory. ❤️👨🌾
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took me a minute to get your reference to the velveteen rabbit, but yes- perfect! Apparently it was a well loved lawnmower😂
LikeLiked by 1 person