Magic Lost

I saved the hardest blog for the last one of the month.   I don't remember the day, but remember the moment well.   Magan called out for me to come to the living room, where I saw sweet little Ruby sitting on the couch.   Ruby had asked a few questions of Magan, and heard a few things from friends at school, and one little moment on the way home from Disney...and all resulted in her finally asking some tough questions about the holidays.   I had known for awhile that this day was coming, and it was not the information coming from her mom, but when I looked at her and confirmed her thoughts, I watched the hurt and sadness bubble up and begin flowing from those eyes.   It was painful to watch, and she immediately came to my lap where I just held her, not knowing what else to say.   

None of the other children ever had this moment, but this was the moment that was so real to me when I found out about the magic being lost around the same age.   As she continued to whimper, I shared of this time for me, and while I don't think anyone (maybe Granny) knew, I went to my room, and cryed and cryed and cryed.   And when I was finished, I decided that I was still going to believe.   This brought a little smile from Ruby still whimpering.   Because I believed again, you can do some amazing things with your imagination when you turn it beyond the standard dials.   That Christmas I received a TV instead of the Gameboy that was on my list...and I could not hold up the walls cracking to show that it was just an old man from Kansas behind that magical wall.   I wanted to hang on to the wizard, but I could not after that point.   And once again (this time I know that no one knew), I went to my room and cryed again.   I think it helped my little Ru a bit, knowing that she was not alone.   

We sat together for a long long time.   I think she felt, and could tell that I knew exactly this moment.   There is a bit a magic in playing forts with little boys, and princesses with little girls.   But slowly they get older and leave the house.   And in the middle of the night, I cry.   Ruby may think it is only during the Quantum Leap finale, but the tears find me in many moments and memories.   It is why I love to sit with little children, and watch them tell you stories.   You can see the twinkle of magic in their eyes and it can infect you...you remember what the world was like when full of magic, and you start seeing the little stuffed animal almost alive hugging you back when you hug it.   

Later that evening, I knew we were in a delicate balance where there were gaping holes in the magic wall, but it was still standing.   The kids began sharing about their days when they found out about the magic, but theirs were not like mine and Ruby's.   Funny stories and nonchalant revealings thru some simple misstep, but none that break you down as my little Ru had felt.   Then Davis laughed at another event that was like a sledgehammer into that magic wall.   I heard it said, and immediately felt the shockwaves only slightly before I saw it register with Ruby.   I was already up and walking over to her.   And we both quickly left to go to her bedroom, where she cried some more.   And while I held her, I may have cried also.   

We have since had several conversations about this or that.   The plan for now is to hold onto the magic, maybe just for me and her.   We have built up a small paper wall of magic.   We can see thru it a little, and we both smile and peek around the edge of the wall every now and then.   But it is a comfort.   I also don't show her any more of how my magic tricks work, and she has learned not to ask.   Because not knowing is what makes you smile, and I think sometimes not asking is the better option.   I also had an interesting conversation with Santa (He is disguised as one of the security guards at my work) who gave a message to Ruby that she has a big responsibility to show the joy and love and Christmas spirit to those around her with the magic still in their eyes.   When I shared this with her before bedtime, I saw the hint of a tear, but also a slight little twinkle before her lips curled into a smile.  

Nineteen years was a good run of magic, and judging by our paper wall, me and Ruby will see how much longer we can make it last.    But every day a little piece falls.   Magan sent me a message the other day showing Ruby cleaning up the Soupy Soup shop, where I had enjoyed many meals first made by Belle, then Ruby.   It was often busy with customers from all over.   There were coupons, and a cash register, and a pretty extensive menu.   But there was something about that rosemary tea, it just made you want to keep coming back.   There is now an empty spot on the back porch.   I didn't cry about that.  "Everything's Eventual" a Stephen King character once said...and it is...I love each phase that we have been blessed to live through and will take each day that is given.  I guess I will stop writing now.   It's time to tuck Ruby in for the night.   Yes, that is still happening, for now.   But when that time is over, I look forward to writing about the next magical moment.   I know it is out there, just around the corner.   

 

Visit with Aunt Mary

While me and the boys were on our way home from Honduras, Magan and the girls went up to see Aunt Mary in Florence.   Magan said "It was a joy to see her!  She is doing great.  Same bright eyes and she was so happy to have us visit".   Magan actually delayed a little bit getting to her house to not over burden her, especially with Marcus visiting also.   Belle and Ruby helped take care of the little girls so that Magan and Marcus could visit.   Looks like they got some fun visiting time with Marcus while up that way also.   Aunt Mary shared some stories and pictures of Gary, and sent a signature of Gary's home with Magan.  

Anabelle asked Eloise if it was a long drive down and she said “yes”.  Then Anabelle asked her if it was a long drive to the beach and she said “yes, but one time I fell asleep and then poof we were there”

Mary was so tickled that Marcus was really coming to see her! She also loved Ruby ‘s card. Ruby picked out birthday card with a rat on it for her since she used to be Ratcliff. She thought that was great!  

Honduras Day 8 - The Return Home...with no Delays

The first line in my notebook that I wrote while still at the airport in Honduras was "All good, so far", and it was a relatively uneventful morning, leaving on the bus from Campamento around 6AM, and stopping at a mennonite bakery close by for breakfast.   We got some muffins and water for our 3 hour bus ride to the airport.   There, we got in one long line for transporting minors out of country, then the long line for United Airlines, then the TSA line, and finally sat down at the gate to wait for our plane.   "All good, so far".

Airport notes included that we had to use Cash's back to unload all the extra weight out of our two suitcases.   We came down with 4, and left with only 2, but they were an overweight 2 bags.   All of us noted that we need to bring a duffle next time for a carry on.   My burger in the airport was amazing.   Davis was adventurous with a salad, but we thought was safe since we were at an airport.   Oh, and immigration would not let Brooke thru because she did not have a recent code filled out online, but with my little broken spanish, I was able to tell the guy she was with me, and they let her thru.   

Finally back in the USA, we noticed clear skies, and no delays on any flights.   We went to the usual Cuban restaurant, and I probably had the best time with the boys of the whole trip.   We laughed about DJ passing out on the ferris wheel.   We laughed hysterically with Davis telling us about using the bathroom at the mennonite bakery.   Apparently you had to get all your toilet paper from a dispenser outside of the stall before you sat down.   In our delirious state of all day travel, we equated this with the Prodigal Son getting all his money/paper up front, then started talking about what would happen if you ran out.   Davis started using his lines from the skit to scream to others "Necessito papel".   "Necessito Ayuda".   For the few that might read this far, this story is not too funny, but for three Junkin boys at that table, I know others around us thought we had lost our minds we were laughing so hard at this made up scenario.   Then we started laughing about Brandon nearly beating Andrew because he made him draw cards in Uno.   I often see pictures of my boys, and my heart hurts remembering those days, but in moments like these, I am so thankful that those little boys have really become my best friends.   

The final flight was uneventful, save for a Seat Nazi flight attendant that got onto the guy sitting next to Davis because his seat was laid back.   The guy did not appear to be angry, but the flight attendant seemed angry at the world and just scowled at him until the seat was in an upright position.   Later after I had fallen asleep, that same attendant came back and offered Davis a first class seat.   When you look as pretty as he does, good things just fall in your lap.   

Back in birmingham by midnight, and to our house by 1:30AM.  And that was it, another mission trip to Honduras complete.   My first coordination/leader role in this effort was successful.   We are really becoming linked well to the church family there, and love to watch and here about how more men are becoming active in the work there, the children are doing well, and growing so that a new classroom is being readied for them.   Before you know it, we will be planning again.   Maybe Belle can join us next year.   And Davis is considering being an intern and staying for a month down there.   "All good so far".   

Oh, souvenirs.   No pictures this year, but the girls got a new doll and bracelets.   And I couldn't help but get a Honduras doll for little Charlotte at church.   I hope her mom and dad can join us again one day down in Honduras.   Kendall was the spark that lit the fire for going on these mission trips at Chelsea, and I will forever be thankful for her leadership and push in that.   

Honduras Day 7 - Work Day and Our Final Goodbyes

On the final day in Campamento, we had our planned "Work Day" where we would be mixing concrete floors for a local family.   Everyone was planning to sleep in a bit, but we were told we gotta get moving before the rains came in.   So all were up earlier than usual to get to a home near the Borro school to pour concrete.  I completely did not pack well for this day, as me and the boys did not have any gloves for this day.   That left Sam with blisters, me with some cut hands, and Davis...I don't think he had any issues.   I did find some gloves halfway thru the day, and that helped for both me and Sam.   

Brandon entertained us in song singing while he was a part of the concrete line.   I think Sam handled the sand pit all day long.   Davis took a couple of volcanos, and was on the concrete line often.  And I handled about 3 volcanos before about passing out.   Dana was the slave driver, but made sure we had 5 minutes after every 2 volcanoes to rest and hydrate.   I used those rest periods to play with the local kids that lived around the area.   

And one boy was particularly interesting as I had handed him one of the little poppers, and shown him how to make it work.   I saw him 15 minutes later just doing the same thing.   It made me happy that these little trinkets are fun for these kids...but it reminded me of myself when little.   When that same toy I would play with for long periods of time.   You can see the changes in Honduras, even since 2019 when we first started coming...more of the children are playing with mom's phone.   At some point they will have their own, then the individual play like this young boy...like me as a boy...slowly comes to an end.   But that day will come later, on this day, I just smiled, walked over to him and we laughed together as it popped off the bench, then popped off his hand.   

Our concrete line was often moved to the side to let a car through, but also towards then end with two boys were moving their cows up the road.   Our concrete line stopped for some of the best ham and cheese sandwiches in the world (only because we were hungry), but the best thing about the sandwiches, was that they were brought by a new group coming to help us finish the day.   The new group included Bobby's family (where I met Jennifer, the "cutest blonde in the world" as his facebook posts claim) and all of the intern's families.   This group was only spending a day or two in campamento, then all going to Roatan for some vacation.   As that group started the next volcano, I can still hear Brandon singing in a higher pitch "you call me a dog" by the late great Chris Cornell.   

Back at the day care after this work day, we all got much needed showers.   We all sat back and rested.   Sam and Davis went to get some coffee in town.   My friend from the kitchen, Blanca, surprisingly brought me a gift of a towel with a butterfly on it.   I grabbed a pic of her and her two cute grandchildren.   Then Yeni came back to the daycare after leaving from work, and brought me an authentic Honduras shirt.   Both were the sweetest gifts and not expected at all.   It is a blessing to give, and such a blessing to receive, just thankful to God for these connections.   

It was also a sad day for me watching all the day care kids leave, as I knew i would not see them for awhile.   They all came up with hugs, some asking for some magia, but all just saying their byes for the weekend was here.   I can still see the little red head boy, Diego light up when I handed him a couple of ninjas to take home with him.   And also one last quick visit from Carlos, who apparently had some weekend plans cause he had some cologne on thick.   

The last unexpected gift was from Carmen and her family.   She brought me a keychain that had a picture of our Junkin family she had gotten off of facebook on one side, and her three beautiful children that we sponsor on the back.   Bobby offered to drive Carmen's family back to their home, so I rode in the back with the kids.   I don't know if they get to ride often in the back cab seat of a truck, as they just seemed so excited and happy the whole way home.   Sadly, I can't remember Carmen's oldest daughters name, but she kept smiling and saying she did not need one of my toys and finally after I told her about being in school and showing her how you could also make them really loud and annoy your teacher, she laughed and accepted one of my poppers.   I waved to those sweet little faces till we turned the corner, and I could not see them anymore.

Our final meal at the daycare was pork chops and broccolli.   And as soon as I saw it, I knew it was time to get out of this country.   Davis bought me a grapefruit soda that is my favorite, he found it at a different pulperia.   After dinner is when Sam showed me that somehow he had gotten poison ivy even in Honduras.   Luckily Jennifer and one of the other moms are nurses and helped with some advice.   Luckily, we were headed home the next morning.   We celebrated Brooke's birthday with a cake that evening and even had some left over donuts that were brought that afternoon.   And we had one last visit with Maximo and Daisy, where we gave them the photo album Davis and Savannah worked on.   Eduardo had to travel into Tegucigalpa, so we did not get to see him again before we left.