I lived in quite a few neighborhoods when I was a kid, and because I was shy, making new friends every time was a little tricky.  To help out, I remember my mom going door to door asking each family if they happened to have any children my age for me to play with.  Alex’s life is different because we have always lived in this same small town, but sometimes he is, like me, a little on the shy side. 

This evening I managed to talk him into taking a walk with me, him on his bike, and we ran into his friend Luca.  I soon found myself abandoned, as Alex went off with his pal with my blessing and encouragement.  “My job here is done,” I thought to myself, remembering my own mother’s efforts on my behalf.   Thanks, Mom!