"I Have To Run!" - The Adult Version

By Stephen C. Schultz

The air was clear with a slight coolness starting to close in for the season. The light blue Astro Van clunked over the curbing and up into the driveway.

With a subtle click and the swoosh of the car seat protective pad shooting up over her head in a single motion, Amanda was out of the seat and opening the door. The van had not even come to a complete stop and she stumbled forward a step before regaining her balance.

She leaped from the van to the driveway, landing on both feet at the same time. She had her hands on her hips, looked from side to side and declared to the world in a loud booming voice that can only be mustered by a four year old;

"I have to run!"

She then took off in a flash and started her mission of running around the outside of the house. It wasn't a single trip with a detour to the kitchen for the latest treat. No, this was a "Five Times Around The House" effort...non-stop! Oh...to have that childhood energy again!

I started thinking of this story when I saw may daughter enter college. She is currently navigating her first year of marriage, playing collegiate volleyball and studying in her first year of nursing school. Yikes! It makes me tired and worn out just saying all of that. I guess she is simply living the adult version of "I Have To Run!".

Update: She is currently graduated with her RN, living and working in Seattle with her husband and dog.

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