New York City Adventure | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: New York City Adventure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anne Warden
10/14/14
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Lucille was discouraged. She’d forgotten to pack one very important item. Glancing down the tracks again, she wondered if they had time to dash home for it. The train was late but . . . maybe she could ‘accidentally’ miss getting on board. She really did not want to make this trip in the first place. All the way across the continent to New York City?

The timing of the missionary board’s call was lousy. Going now to New York meant leaving behind her husband, ill with cancer. It also meant dragging along their six-year-old son. Nevis, in his condition, couldn’t care for Maurice alone. Their usual babysitters were out of town and she couldn’t bear to ask anyone else on such short notice. But what was she supposed to do with a rambunctious child while she was meeting with the board? She shuddered to think of what could happen to a small boy prone to dashing outdoors on a whim. It was one thing for him to wander the streets of their tiny Oregon town where everyone knew him. It was quite another in a city the size of New York.

Tears welled up and a frustrated sigh escaped her lips.

“Mommy, what’s wong?” asked Maurice, tugging on her sleeve. “Awen’t you happy about the twain wide?”

Squeezing his shoulder gently, she gazed into his eager face. She couldn’t lie to him, but neither did she want to squelch his enthusiasm. Pondering what to say, an idea came to mind. Hadn’t she learned long ago that turning difficulties into adventures made them more bearable? It was a concept she wanted to teach her son. What better time than now?

“I like train rides, Maurice. I just don’t want to go now. With Daddy sick, I’d rather stay home.” She watched his face fall as he bit his lower lip. With a deep breath, she forced herself to match his previous eagerness. “But since we have to do this, let’s make the trip an adventure, okay?”

“What’s a benture?”

“It’s making something new – like this train ride and our visit to the city – as fun and exciting as we can. Would you like that?”

His bright eyes and gap-toothed grin returned instantly.

*****

Crossing the country, they played games, sang songs and made up stories about what they saw out the window. On the last day, Lucille realized she no longer resented being called to New York. The trip had actually been fun.

Maurice was learning the Pledge of Allegiance in first grade and refused to leave his seat each morning without first reciting it, his hand dutifully pressed to his chest. He’d even taught the pledge to other children on the train. Sensing a heart for patriotism in her son, Lucille determined they should visit the Statue of Liberty before returning home. It would be part of their New York City adventure.

*****

While she met with the missionary board, Maurice played with building blocks in a corner of the lobby, monitored by the grandmotherly receptionist.

The meeting ran late. Catching a cab, they headed for the ferry to Liberty Island. Traffic was snarly and they arrived at the dock to see the last ferry of the day pulling away. Lucille’s heart fell. She’d promised Maurice this adventure – and they’d missed it. There wouldn’t be time in the morning. They had to catch their train back to Oregon. But even if they couldn’t view her up close or climb to her crown, this might be the only chance for her son to ever see the Statue of Liberty. She ushered him out of the cab.

While Maurice stood at the rail, staring across the water at the colossal green figure dominating the harbor, she pondered how to relate the statue’s history to a six-year-old in a way he’d understand and find interesting. Though she was disappointed, she couldn’t let him see it.

With the amazing adaptability of children, however, Maurice was about to yank her forcefully out of the doldrums. Tugging at her skirt, he exclaimed in a voice filled with wonder, “Mommy, Mommy.”

When she looked down in curiosity, he pointed toward Lady Liberty. “Is that the witch ‘at stands?”

____________________
This incident did happen. However, I’ve taken the liberty of adding a few imaginary details. Maurice is my half-brother and Lucille was our mother.

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