by Ben Rayman

Created on: February 10, 2010   Last Updated: February 11, 2010

Art comes in all forms, however when we think of Art - it is mainly thought to be in a form of something we can see: a painting, sculpture, pottery; or hear: voice, instrument, actors; or in literary: prose, novel, written word. Although all these forms induce our emotions to react, it does not take any less or anymore thought to realize that creativity exhibits itself in so many other ways outside the box.

Baby formula became the light  fostering an 'artwork of care'

     I never gave it a second thought that my Midwest rural roots had so many children with homes, were homeless in them because they were left unattended for not just a few hours; moreover half-day’s time throughout and regularly, especially after the midnight hours. Even though springtime warm temperatures were making their presence during daylight, Old Man Winter was still around in the wee hours of dark when I met Tommy and his bundles of joys.

     It was very chilly on that Sunday at 1:30 a.m. and the winds were brisk and biting. No stars and dark as our woods, but the 24/7 carryout was well-lit on all three sides and it was packed with cars which left me no choice to use the back, where they kept the trash containers.

     I zipped into the store, but on my way out, I got sidetrack and went around the other side. There he was. At first glance, it looked like an adult sitting and crouched between the ice maker and trash container. I recall asking “What you doing? Who are you? You okay?” I was startled because he looked overweight and the hood of his coat covered his entire face.

     Slowly he pushed back the coat’s hood and my eyes widen. I started to shake. He must have been no older than my seven year old Billy. He had big brown eyes, smudges of dirt on his cheeks, and badly in need of a haircut; in fact, a whole cleaning including his clothes. I asked him again if he was lost, needed help. He told me he was waiting for his Dad to pick him up, and softly expressed, "I was tired and the carryout was noisy.” Tommy also assured me that his Dad knows where to look if he was not inside.

     My watch showed 2:15 a.m. and I asked him what time was his Dad is coming? “At 3:00,” he said. Then suddenly that bulge around his waist moved and made a noise. “What is that?” I asked. He zipped his coat down and she pops her head out. She was cute

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