Short Story - First Day of Spring

In the early 80's I was a nanny for a year and a bit.  I was fortunate enough to work for a fantastic family that cared about their children and had realistic expecations.  It was through this family that I discovered my love for CBC radio as they always had it on in the kitchen.  It was here that I came to know and love Peter Gzowski.  I had no idea that he would become such an important Canadian icon and that later in my life I would have the honour of meeting him. 

Ok, back to the first day of Spring.  Patrick was the name of the young charge that I spent my days minding, him and his younger sister.  I recall this memory and several others of him vividly.  It was the first day of Spring and Patrick came downstairs to breakfast - keeping in mind he is not yet in school.  I think he was four.  He walked to the window facing the backyard and had a look about the yard from his viewpoint and looked at me and pointedly asked "Where they?"  I was a little unsure of his question "Where are what?" I replied "Where are the tulips?"  Now any time that Patrick asked a question he was serious he was not a silly child, but bright, inquistive and reflective.  "Umm, under the snow."  Patrick was not yet deterred - he had another look "but it is the first day of spring."  I explained to him with his parents present getting ready for their day at work that the flowers did not just magically appear because it is the first day of Spring.  They need to warm up and grow.  He was significantly dissappointed with this news.  Patrick believed that when he awoke on the first day of Spring that the flowers would appear.


I have another one to share soon...we will call it "The Chair"

Lady of the Oak