by MK Bashlor

Created on: July 16, 2008

As we approached each porch Gabby followed me. "Okay, on the count of three - One... Two Three 'Trick or Treat!'" I wondered if this experience was of value to her, or was it just my own innocent one night break from the strains of adult life. By 7pm, it was just Gabby and I left trick or treating. Carrie had taken the baby back home as they had grown tired. She agreed to meet Gabby and myself later that evening at Grandma's house ("mom," to Carrie and me). Dressed in an adorable little tootsie roll costume, six month old Abagael had been admired by every door we walked up to. After the two of them left, Gabby and I went over the two bridges leading to Grandma's house, where we would eventually end our trick or treat journey. We must have been quite a site, a 3 year old lady bug, and a giant Raggedy Ann doll. Eventually, Gabby grew tired. Her shiny black lady bug shoes were a little too large to walk in, so I carried her on my shoulders and put her shoes in one of the "trick or treat" bags. Gabby knew I had come home for the sole purpose of trick or treating with her. When I grew weary of carrying her on my shoulders, I set her down and once again she slipped her feet into the little black lady bug shoes. After completing our passage over the two bridges, we found some homes closer to Grandmas and did a little more trick or treating before retiring for the night to sort our candy. There were frequent compliments given to the shy little lady bug. The 38 year old Raggedy Ann didn't get quite as much attention.

During the last lag of our trick or treat journey, careful to look both ways before crossing the street, we walked up to a couple more inviting homes in Grandma's neighborhood. One home had a scary man out front. I could see that his frightening outfit was all in fun, but this sort of "Halloween fun" was something Gabby had yet to learn about. She was very cautious while crossing the grass which lead to the driveway where he and his lady friend sat in lawn chairs handing out candy in the exciting autumn night. I whispered to the cute little lady bug, "don't be afraid Gabby, it's okay." But she was much too apprehensive. The mask worn by the man had large orange lit up eyes, with blood dripping down the face. Nothing I could say would comfort Gabriella to where she could approach him for candy. Gabby whispered to me, "He's ugly." I told her to go up to the nice looking lady to get candy, and I would go to the scary man. With the boldness a child may appreciate

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>