by Matt Shea
The church that the Choy family attended was expanding its building and needed to remove this shed. It looked like a tiny barn with a front and back door. It was sturdy like a house and had built-in benches with a table. It was perfect in Teddy's back yard and could be a dwelling on rainy days. It also featured insulation with an electric cord that could supply light for sleepovers. The use for this storage shed was countless. It also gave Teddy's home another selling point for the neighborhood kids!
“Thanks, Mr. Choy!” exclaimed Teddy as he hugged the gracious man. Immediately, the children ran to the tiny house and entered it. The door was closed to secure the privacy that the shelter offered. Benard laughed with the success the structure already created. Emily Downing arrived with a tray full of cookies and juice cartons. She offered Benard a snack as she thanked him once again for his thoughtfulness.
“I am happy to serve my church and help Teddy at the same time,” said the good neighbor.
Emily then walked to the tiny barn and knocked on the door. It opened as she handed the tray to her grandson.
“Thanks, grandma!” said Teddy. He closed the door and shared the treats with his friends.
Benard visited with Emily for a while then mentioned that he had to go. He knew that the children had plans to do their homework in the new playhouse and upon finishing would leave for home. The kind man then said his good-byes and left.
One by one, each student finished their homework and packed their book bags. Soon, all were done with their schoolwork and left saying, “Good-bye” to Teddy. Eventually, he was the last child present and completed his assignments. He went into the house and asked his grandmother a question. “Can we eat dinner in my new playhouse tonight?”
“Why yes,” answered the guardian. “That would be fun!” The small family of two set the table inside the playhouse for dinner. Moments later, Emily Downing brought in the meal. Teddy closed the door, as he shared his new quarters with the most special person in his life. They gazed at one another with the happiness of another triumph in the grandson's life. It was now getting late on this Friday evening. The next day was Saturday, and Teddy could spend the whole day in his new camp.
The young boy got up at sunrise and asked his grandmother if he could eat his morning cereal in the playhouse. “Yes you can,” replied the guardian. “Dress up warm, and I will serve you where we had dinner last night.” Teddy raced to his bedroom and changed his clothing. He then went to the small house and waited for his meal. Within a minute, the grandmother knocked on the door.
He opened the door and was handed a tray that held a bowl of cereal, a glass of milk, and a banana. The hungry grandson said, “Thanks grandma!” He took the tray and closed the door. Teddy was happy as he enjoyed breakfast in his new domain. Upon finishing, he stood up and leaned against the back door to survey the enclosed environment. Fate had arrived.
The back door was partially opened, and Teddy's weight made it swing wide open as he fell backwards out of the playhouse! The fall forced him to immediately slide down a wet grassy embankment that had thick ivy serving as a property line. The trail was steep enough to continue the swift ride at a high rate of speed, sliding under the ivy and thick brush. He traveled another twenty feet like a baseball player sliding in at home plate, finally reaching level ground and slowing to a stop. The dazed youth opened his eyes and looked up, seeing the shock of his life. He was completely surrounded by “old people”!
“I, I am sorry,” exclaimed the frightened boy. “It was an accident.”
“Are you alright?” asked a bent gray haired man.
“Look, it's a child!” cried out an elder woman.
“See if he would like some cookies with us,” called out another man leaning on his walker.
Teddy looked in all directions and saw the youthful faces of senior citizens. They weren't angry; they seemed to be pleased. The muddy child realized that he was welcomed!
“What's your name?” asked a spunky lady, wearing a plaid shawl.
“Teddy Downing,” replied the child.
Teddy stood up and began to shake hands with everyone. Instantly, the community began to introduce themselves.
“I'm Hal,” said a lanky man wearing glasses.
“I am Dorothy,” said a woman leaning on a cane.
“My name is Ollie,” said another man.
“I am Clara,” said a graceful woman.
Many faces with many names extended their hands to greet Teddy.
He explained how he ended up on their property and asked, “Where am I, anyway?”
“You have just entered the “Beacon Hill Retirement Center,” said another aging voice. “You are always welcomed here!”
“That's right!” said the small crowd.
Teddy looked around in amazement. The residents were friendly, the grounds were beautiful, and there was a pool with lawn chairs. He saw a beautiful wooden building that had a lobby and multicolored lights that lit up the walkways. It had a gazebo, plants, flowers, bushes, and bird baths. “Wow,” exclaimed the young visitor. “You have everything here!”
“Not everything,” claimed a resident.
“What's missing?” asked Teddy.
The elders looked sadly at one another knowing what the problem was. A woman leaning on a cane said, “We don't have you...”
Teddy was puzzled and asked, “Me?”
“Yes, you,” stated a hunched figure in the background. “We need you and other children just like you!”
“You will never understand until you get old like us,” said a woman sitting at the nearby gazebo. “Children are the only guarantee that can make old people happy.”
The entire corps of seniors yelled, “That's right!”
Teddy looked down with this stunning realization. He began to feel good inside realizing why his grandmother was always happy. The youth thought about his friends and imagined how happy they could make this hidden retirement community. Looking up at the crowd he asked, “Can I bring my friends here?”
“We would love that!” responded a man in a wheelchair.
“Bring all of them!” cried out another woman sitting by the pool.
Teddy smiled and was given a tour. He then showed the trail that he slid down from his yard.
“I like that trail,” said a ninety-year-old man.
“So do I,” agreed another man.
“We need to fix it up a bit, so you can use it to visit us,” pointed out an old woman.
“Do we want to keep this a secret?” asked Teddy.
“We have to,” said a lanky man in glasses. “The managers here will close it off. The way it is now, you can sneak in after hours. It will be our secret!”
“Great idea!” said the aging group.
“I better get home now,” said Teddy. “It was great meeting everyone!”
“You too,” said the lanky man. “We will help clean this trail, but it must remain hidden.”
“Okay,” replied Teddy. “When we have this path straightened out, I'll bring my friends!”
The boy waved good-bye as he started the treacherous climb back home.
Emily Downing spent the morning doing household chores and wasn't aware of the adventure her grandson had. “Your friends called and invited you to play softball with them at the park. They will meet there at eleven o'clock this morning.” The Grandson loved to play softball and would spend the rest of the day with his friends.
Sunday morning arrived with the sunrise casting light through Teddy's bedroom window. The boy immediately dressed and went into the kitchen to ask his mother if he could, once again, eat breakfast in the playhouse. “Yes, dear,” she said. “I will serve you breakfast like I did yesterday.”
“Thanks, grandma,” said the grandson. Teddy left for the private dwelling. As he approached the shed, a note was folded neatly and taped on the front door. He opened the message and it read:
“We were able to have my grandson build a slide that starts under the tall gra
ss several feet from the back door of this playhouse. It leads to where we first met you. A rope was tied from the trees that outline the path, so you can use it to get back on your property. When you slide down to visit us, hold on tight- it's a fast ride!” The note was written in beautiful penmanship and was signed: “From your new friends.”
Teddy folded the note and placed it in his back pocket. He opened the door as his grandmother approached with a tray holding his breakfast. The elder handed the tray to the young man, as each wished one another a good morning. She returned to the house as he closed the playhouse door. The hungry child began to devour his meal.
Once finished, he opened the back door and searched for the newly installed slide. He found it slightly extended from the tall ivy that he burrowed under the day before. His new friends had acquired sheet metal siding that was placed end-to-end and overlapped in the downward direction. This simple technique would allow one to slide continuously down the slick path without obstruction. He would still have to lay down flat to travel underneath the overgrown brush and ivy, but that was part of the fun!
With enthusiasm, Teddy crawled under the ivy and laid down feet first holding onto the metal sides. The excited boy held his breath and let go. Immediately, the steep angle caused the child to slide down the path, gaining speed as he traveled. The exhilarating ride was smooth as his weight caused a slight groove in the metal sheets. He was traveling like a luge in the Olympics, going for the gold! He saw the daylight as he slid under the last set of bushes and entered level ground. The soft green grass slowed down the human projectile, allowing a safe stop.
Cheers rose from the retirement home as their hero made his grand entrance. “Are you joining us for the barbeque today?” asked one senior.
“What barbeque?” asked Teddy.
“Every Sunday, we have a barbeque,” stated another resident. “We are always allowed to invite friends. Why don't you and your friends be our guests today? You can even swim in our pool later.”
“That's a great idea!” exclaimed a man with a cane.
“What time does it start?” asked the boy.
“Twelve noon,” replied a woman in a lounge chair.
“Okay,” said Teddy, “I'll go home and tell my friends. I'll be back at noon!”
The excited boy then entered the trail he arrived in. He saw rope tied four feet off the ground, connecting the trees that outlined the path. This made the ascent back home much easier!
The exhausted child arrived home asking his grandmother if he could invite friends over that day. “Why, sure you can,” answered the mother figure. Teddy thanked her and began to contact his friends. He told them they would meet in the playhouse before noon and to bring a towel with their swimsuits. His offer included lunch and was widely accepted. Eight children showed up at the playhouse bringing a swimsuit and towel. They gathered in the small house and looked at Teddy with curiosity. Two thoughts entered their mind: where is lunch, and why bring the suits and towels? The host announced, “It's now my turn to share a surprise- a big surprise!”
Teddy stood up saying, “Follow me!” He opened the back door and said, “This is going to be fun!” The group followed him as he waded through the tall grass. He found the sheet metal that marked the entrance to the steep trail. He demonstrated how to lay down on the indented slide and simply let go. He told everyone to bring their swim suits and towel and to allow one minute between each run. He let go and screamed with excitement as he disappeared under the brush.
Steven Choy got next in line. He sat in the same position Teddy did, holding onto the metal sides. The youth anxiously awaited the long minute; then he let go with a scream. He slid under the brush and vanished.
Teddy arrived on time as the elders cheered his arrival. He got up and said, “I have my friends’ right behind me!” A muffled scream could be heard traveling through the dark embankment as Steven Choy slid into the clearing. He finally slowed down to a stop as he rested on the greens of this oasis. He was dumbfounded as he looked around at the wonderment of the secluded beauty. He heard ovations that welcomed him as he saw the elated faces of this aging community. “Get out of the way!” exclaimed Teddy. “There are more right behind you!”
A confused Steven stood up and moved just as his sister, Anna, landed into the space he had just occupied. She was helped up by her brother as another guest could be heard traveling down the path. Soon, all were present and slowly looked around at this hidden paradise. The friendly smiles of the many seniors graced the setting as Teddy looked at his peers and said, “I'd like to introduce you to my new friends!”
The young and old began to introduce themselves as hands were shook and names were exchanged. The smell of barbeque hotdogs and hamburgers filled the air as a resident led the young neighbors to the picnic area. Lawn bowling, croquet, yard darts, horseshoes, and a pristine swimming pool would be the activities shared on this warm afternoon. This was a high-class resort, equipped with wonderful and caring people, and it was all in Teddy's own back yard! The crowd mingled at the picnic tables as accommodating seniors served Teddy and his friends. Questions, compliments, funny stories, and ideas dominated the many conversations as new friendships developed.
Hours of fun passed by quickly as “young children” played with “old children.” It was becoming late afternoon, and the guests had to return to their homes. Teddy and his friends were surrounded by the residences that begged them to visit in the near future. “We promise!” vowed the young celebrities. Teddy escorted his friends to the passage that connected “Eden” to their world. They waved goodbye and using the rope, started the expedition back home.
Once they reached the playhouse, the group went inside and closed the door. They sat down and glared at Teddy in amazement. It was hard to believe that this humble friend was the gateway to the most fun they ever had, with the best people they ever met. The enrichment of having “old people” as friends and playmates created a different view towards senior citizens. It gave more options to grow, with a better understanding of life.
Teddy was definitely that guy in school that everybody wanted to know and he had the “coolest” friends!
DEPRESSION THREADS
Teddy Downing patiently waited to cross the crosswalk. He was safe being under the care of Eddie; a retired military man of forty years. The gracious black man always had a smile and loved life. He dedicated his retirement to assisting local children. This playground monitor also served duty at crosswalks, using a red flag to stop traffic for safe passage. He was adopted by every kid in school. Teddy loved this charitable man. It was now Eddie's turn as a long-lost part of his life would be found.
“Thank you, Eddie!” said Teddy as cars stopped to free the intersection.
“It's my pleasure, Teddy,” replied Eddie. “I would never forgive myself if you got hurt.” The caring man walked out into the street with his flag displayed.
Once Teddy reached the other sidewalk, he waved good-bye to his friend. Eddie’s neck scarf whipped in the wind as he walked backwards waving to Teddy. The traffic continued with Teddy walking to the bus stop.
Teddy entered his home. He smiled as his grandmother stood waiting with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk.
“How was school?” his grandmother asked.
“Great!” replied the grandson. “I don't have any homework tonight. Can I visit my friends at the senior center?” he asked.
“I don't see why not,” replied the guardian. “Be home by dinner time.”
“Okay,” replied the boy.
Teddy hugged his grandmother and left the house. He raced to the backyard slide that led to the center. He got on board and whisked under the growth that barricaded the oasis. He slid into view as he rolled onto the grass.
“There he is!” pointed an old man.
“Teddy's here!” cried out another. Soon, there was a small gathering where Teddy landed.
It was getting cold outside as the evening approached. The gathering m
oved inside where it was warm. More friends showed up. As always, Teddy was surrounded by elder friends that cherished his company. The boy made his rounds visiting everyone. He was saying his good-byes as he tried to remember what he wanted to say. There was something that Teddy wanted to point out, but he couldn't remember.
“That's okay, son,” said an old man in a chair. “We always forget things. You'll remember in time.”
Teddy laughed over the thought of being forgetful like an old person. He waved goodbye and walked the path back home.
Teddy returned home to his grandmother. It was a pleasant evening as the small family enjoyed a warm meal. He would go to bed early that night and be well prepared for school.
“Good morning, Eddie,” said Teddy as he approached the crosswalk.
