Stepped into a jewelry store to have a new battery placed into my wristwatch. Already in the store was a lady with her young son. Bundled up for winter in his coat and hat, he looked to be about 4. His mom was being attended to and before long I turned my attention away from them as another employee came to assist me. With the exception of the lady, her son and myself, everything else in the store, including the two attendants, was separated from us by glass.
While my new battery was being inserted, I looked over and saw the little boy was now occupied, playing with a yellow balloon that had a smiling cartoon face on it. He would hit it into the air and then run after it. At one point he called out insistingly, “Mom, it’s your turn!” But at the time, Mom’s attention was on her phone. When the balloon landed on a too high ledge, I stepped in, got it down for him and was rewarded with eye contact, a smile and a grateful, “Thank you!” Then he sent the balloon towards me and I found myself sending it back, effectively agreeing to playing with him for the duration of our time together. Later, as he was very good at calling out whose turn it was to go after the balloon, his mom joined us. In passing, she said to me something to the effect that the store was such a great place to toss a balloon. Laughing at the humor of her delivery, I replied that at least everything was protected by glass, and followed up with how wonderful that he was so happily engaged with the simple game of hitting the balloon up into the air and catching it. She agreed to both observations.
When it came time for me to leave, as I began to wave goodbye, he asked me for a hug. Surprised but charmed, I obliged, leaning down and giving him one. As I began straightening up, he added, “And a kiss!” Now, even more surprised and even more charmed, I looked over at his mother to make sure it was okay, all the while thinking, this little boy was loved and obviously was used to hugs and kisses from the loving adults in his life. In fact so loved and so comfortable that he saw no reason not to make the request of a stranger who took the time to play with him. Being on the receiving end of such trust, innocence and, honestly, love, I wanted to fulfill his request and hoped his mother would allow it. Giving her consent with a smile, I turned my attention back and crouching down once again, kissed him on the cheek, and thought of my six year old niece who also loves to give kisses and show affection. Looking back at his mom, I told her he was just wonderful! She thanked me and I wished them both a great rest of their day, leaving the store with a smile on my face, and the words, “What a beautiful little boy!” in the forefront of my mind.