Nak

When Sean was two years old, he was just starting to enjoy playing in Bo & Gram’s swimming pool. He would stand on the steps, where the water was shallow, and play and play with colored cups – red, blue, green, purple & yellow. He would fill each cup up with pool water, then he would pour it out and start all over again. Another fun game was for grams to take him in her arms and go into water about four feet deep. There Gram would hold his hands while his feet rested on her knees. Around and around they would go – singing ‘Ring Around the Roses’ and when ‘Ashes Ashes We All Fall Down’ came – under the water they would go!

One, Two, Three, Jump! Was another good game. Standing on the side of the pool, Sean would count and then jump into Daddy’s, Bo’s or Mom’s arms. Everyone was expected to clap loudly after each jump.

Gram always kept a wicker basket filled with snacks on the table by the pool and also a small ice chest filled with soft drinks & juice. When each person was hungry, he would help himself to cookies, chips, etc.

Well… without thinking too much about it – Gram would take Sean out of the pool when he seemed tired or cold. She would wrap him in a big ole beach towel and set him in a big lounge chair by the pool. She would then get the wicker basket, put it in front of him and let Sean pick out which snack he would like. Gram then got a soda from the ice chest, put a straw in it, and gave Sean his drink. For several weeks this is how Sean played in the pool and enjoyed his snack.

One day Gram put Sean in his small play pool out on the driveway. He played & played. He even sprayed the water hose as he pretended to be a fireman. After a long fun time playing, Sean said, “towel”. Gram got a towel and wrapped him up. Daddy was already there to take Sean home – so Gram hurried to put Sean’s clothes on him. All the time Gram was dressing him, Sean was saying a word Gram could not understand. “Nak, Nak, Nak” Sean said. “Is he saying nat?” asked Gram. “You know a nat was bothering him the other day. But I don’t see a nat.”

“Nak, Nak, Nak” said Sean. “Bo, what is he saying?” asked Gram. “I don’t know,” said Bo.

“Nak, Nak, Nak” said Sean. “Oh, my gosh!” said Gram. “I know what he’s saying. He’s asking for his snack! Oh my little Sean, Gram is soooo sorry! I forgot your snack.” Out came the wicker basket. A little face lit up & little hands clapped and little Sean ?????????