Give the kid some candy
Image by SzaboJanos from Pixabay
I wore my jack o'lantern face mask today and the following occurred while waiting in line with Clark before school.
Kid behind Clark in line: I like your mask.
Me: Thanks.
Kid: Where did you get it?
Me: The Spirit Halloween store.
Kid: Halloween store? Where is that?
Me: By the mall.
Kid: My mom doesn't let me celebrate Halloween.
Me: Why is that?
Kid: She says it's the birthday of the demons.
Me (takes a breath and a pause before): Do you know what else it is the birthday of?
Kid (Eyes wide open): What?
Me: Me. My birthday is on Halloween.
Kid: But what time? Like at night?
Me: Late afternoon.
Kid: Did you eat candy?
Me: No, I was just born. Little babies don't eat candy.
Kid: Some do. I hope I can go with my sister and celebrate Halloween. I have a brother taller than you. He's strong; he can pick up two children.
Me: Wow. That is strong.
Kid: Maybe he will take me out for Halloween.
BELL RINGS, line moves forward. High five and hug from Clark.
Kid: Have a good day.
Me: You, too.
Now, I am not in the position of judging this little boy's mother. My hope is that she provides other areas of his life to experience childhood/childlike joy. But really, I mostly want to give him a king sized candy bar and tell him to go be happy.