Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box

Maddy was surprised every time she turned the handle of the Jack in the Box to hear the ‘thwack!’ and ‘boing!’  Up would pop the little clown. Maddy would squeal in delight then push the clown down.  He always needed an extra push. Mommy was right beside her waiting, knowing that soon Maddy would need her help. Mommy let Maddy know that she was a big girl able to do things that big girls did. But sometimes Maddy’s little hands were not quite able to push the clown back in the box. It was much easier to turn the handle until he sprang forward. Putting him back was much harder.

 As Maddie grew up she discovered that if She pushed a little too hard in life she often got an  unpleasant surprise.  but Mom was always there. Whether it was  in the same room, another room, or  another town., mom  was always there waiting…waiting…waiting for the nudge, the knock on the door, the email, or the phone call.  “Mom. Do you have a minute?” Mom always had time to help Maddie push the unpleasant, unplanned mess back in the box. Maddie realized as time went by that she couldn’t push and push and push in life and avoid getting those unpleasant pop ups. Yet she didn’t want to walk through life so fearful that she didn’t push at all. She chose to know that no matter what, she had a cushion to safeguard her. She had a mother.