Prompt Week Eight: The things I pass on the street that are like Heaven to me...

                When the last clumps of snow finally melt and pale green buds appear on the trees that line the street there’s nothing better in the world than taking a walk. My wool winter jacket stays in the closet and for the first time in months, I can go outside without the restrictions of layers, unflattering hats, and gloves. The freedom to move comfortably is welcome and the new life around me ignites excitement for the coming months.

                With the sun shining in the sky, children play in their front lawns. They chase cats that have been pent up in the house all winter. They scream to each other as they ride their rusty bikes up and down the sidewalk. Games of basketball are underway as neighborhood teens brush up on their skills. The smell of burgers cooking on the grill wafts through the air and families work in their yards, preparing them for summer.

                Couples walk their dogs at a slow, leisurely pace, much different than the hurried walks of the winter when it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors. Chattering and laughing, they smile as I walk by and the happiness that comes with spring has arrived. Everything has slowed down, the neighborhood has taken the day to enjoy the gifts of nature and the scene sets the tone of a safer, simpler time when children freely played outside instead of staring at the television screen and people said hello when they passed strangers on the street.