I threw my backpack on the floor, tore off my shoes, and ran out the door. The grass felt cool and soft under my feet as I sprinted down the grassy hill of our yard. I collapsed on my back, arms eagle spread, on the line where our yard met the neighbors. As I waited for them to come out and play, I closed my eyes and let the sun beat down on my face, warm and inviting. Ahhhhh….freedom at last.

It was summer break and my young heart fluttered with excitement and anticipation. Three whole months of homeworkless euphoria awaited my young soul. The possibilities only limited by the extent of our imaginations.

Today we might solve a mystery that would stump Sherlock himself. Tomorrow the swing set castle would be valiantly defended from the evil elves. Backstreet boys would be wed. Culinary masterpieces concocted from berries and plants. Outer space and far off lands explored. Mud sculptures artfully designed.

It was a time unrestrained by reality. Where pain and disappointed only extended as far as a scraped knee or a rainy day. My childhood self didn’t consider practicality, or factor in failure…they simply didn’t exist. Pure ingenuity dominated and I was unstoppable.