Freedom

Written by Collette Cottingham; Boot Hill

 

“Ring around the Rosie, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”

“What are you falling down into Grace?”

“I am not really sure. It is something from my childhood. A silly kid thing I guess. I think we fell down into the water.”

“Tell me more about the water?”

“It was cold. It was river water. We did the rhyme as a way of warming up in the water.”

“Who usually did the rhyme with you?”

“My siblings or any kids that wanted to jump in. The water was just so cold.”

“What else do you remember from the water.”

“A swing, a large swing. It sat right next to the water. Kids would fight over that swing.”

“A swing, a porch swing?”

“No, like a swing from a swing set. I would run down first thing in the morning. It was the only time I could have the swing all to myself. I would swing on that swing for hours.”

“Do you remember how your felt when you were on the swing?”

“Freedom”

“Freedom?”

“I swung high up into the sky. I could see the whole canyon. The river stretched for miles. I could see over the trees. The wind blew through my hair. I was safe. I was alive. Everything was okay. Nothing bad happened. I was in control. I felt no pain. My dreams could come true. I was free.”

“What a wonderful happy memory. You need to hold on to that memory for today. Let the swing be your happiness for today. There is a swing on the grounds. I would like you to go find the swing today and swing. We will meet again tomorrow Grace and discuss how you felt.”

“I will, thank you Patty.”