"Shake the Grandmas' Hands"

They are two years old ~ maybe three years old. Winter togs half on. Tripping over each other. Happily scrambling to dress. Colorful boots, hats, scarves, mitts. Spaghetti legs. Stiff arms. Children not quite old enough to dress themselves. A preschool visit to a retirement home.

Adults lining the walls. Their focus ~ a group of carefree children preparing to leave. This is an experience not commonly occupying their day. Then a teacher's voice, "Shake the grandmas' hands. Shake the grandpas' hands." On cue, boys and girls leap to line up. Circling the room, children touch each expectant grandma and grandpa. The slow procession of young saluting old ~ the old seated in over-stuffed chairs and sofas. The young obediently shaking hands or playfully giving high-fives.

The image will remain in our mind. There are few words spoken ~ the odd "Come again." "Good-Bye." The adults ~ alone in their thoughts ~ will remain seated and silent long after these clowning little folk go back to their daily, busy routine of snacks, naps and playtime.