Page 51 of Glass & Groundwork
“Jasper, I gotta say, while I don’t plan on taking Yahir’s self-proclaimed apprenticeship, it’s been really inspiring to see how hard you’ve worked to follow your passion. It’s got me thinking about a lot of stuff lately.”
“Oh, yeah? What have you been thinking about?” Jasper asked.
I watched with interest as Eduardo bit his lip, looking sheepish. “I don’t know. I feel like there’s gotta be more than just work. Papa has his bees and the farm, which you know I love, too, but I don’t feel the same way about it like you or like Jasper with his glass. I think maybe it’s time I try to find something I like just for me.”
I met Eduardo’s gaze so he could see my sincerity. “I never expected that my passion would become yours or anyone else’s. Please don’t worry about that. There will always be people looking for seasonal work to help out. Nothing would make meprouder than to see you embrace something that brings you joy. It’s all I want for you, for all my kids.”
Eduardo, my sweet Eduardo. He’d grown up into this kind and compassionate man, and here he was still trying to please a parent. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“You could never. Never. You hear me?” With a squeeze on his shoulder, I made sure he could see how deeply I meant it.
He nodded with misty eyes. “Yes, Papa.”
“So what are you thinking of doing?”
“Well, I’m not really sure yet. But I know they are doing a big grand re-opening of theHeart and Sole Community Center, and it sounds like they are planning on offering a lot of different recreational classes. I figured that would be a good place to start. Maybe I could try painting, or dancing, or soccer, or…who knows, there are a lot of options. I didn’t really get to explore any of that when I was younger.”
I hadn’t either. It was something I had in common with my kids, not being able to be, well, kids. I smiled and kissed the top of his head. “That’s a fantastic idea. Whatever you decide, you have my full support.”
“Mine, too,” Jasper added.
“Thank you, both. That really means a lot to me.” I pulled Eduardo into another hug, looping an arm around Jasper to draw him in with us. He was a big part of this moment. I was overwhelmed with joy at seeing how his entering our lives was making a difference not just for me but for my kids, too. I couldn’t have been more proud of both of them.
“I took up enough of your time, you’d better get out there before it’s too late.” Eduardo cleared his throat and straightened.
“You didn’t take up our time, kiddo, it’s never an interruption to talk with you. I’m really glad you shared that with me, and I look forward to hearing more about the classes at Heart and Sole.”
“Thank you.” Eduardo smiled before giving us a shooing motion. “Now, git. The window’s closing.”I gave him one last squeeze on his arm before nodding and indicating for Jasper to get in the ATV. With a wave, we took off, following the dirt path that would take us to the apiary.
“He’s a good kid,” Jasper said.
My mouth formed into a proud smile. “He is.”
“All the kids are. You’ve done a really great job with them.”
I could feel him watching me while I drove. “All I did was give them a safe space to allow them room to grow.”
“That’s really understating it, but even then, it’s enough. I always felt like a dandelion trying to break through the crack of a sidewalk, trying to find whatever nourishment I could in a cold world. What might have happened if I’d been allowed to grow free? Free, and wild, and unhindered?”
Reaching over, I grabbed his hand. I’d spent a lot of time with thoughts like that. “We can’t know the what-if, but you managedanyway. You found your own strength, and you pushed through that crack against all odds.Youdid that, Jasper.”
Jasper squeezed my hand and let out a soft sigh. For the remainder of the ride, he stayed quiet, never letting go of my hand. When I parked about a hundred yards away from the hives, he sat up.
“Are we there?” He asked, looking around.
“We’re as close as I like to get so I don’t disturb them with the noise of the ATV.” I turned off the ignition and got out of the cart, walking around to Jasper’s side. When he stepped out, I pulled the hood of his suit on, and zipped him in.
Holding the front of his suit, I looked at Jasper through the mesh veil, and spoke softly. “It’s going to be unnerving at first. The buzzing can be quite intense, and it’s only natural for it to trigger flight instincts. I promise you will be safe, so I’m going to ask you to trust me, and ignore your instincts. The mostimportant part is staying calm. Bees are very sensitive to the pheromones we release when we’re afraid, and the last thing we want is to trigger an angry swarm. You’re sealed in, so they might be able to land on you, but they won’t be able to get inside your suit. Slow breaths. No jerky movements. Understood?”
“I understand. But, Daddy, why are we here before the bees leave?”
“Therapy.”
Jasper’s brows arched as I grabbed my veil and put it on. The hat nestled onto my head and the mesh draped over my shoulders, covering my neck, and I tucked it into my collar, buttoning the top button to secure it in place. With gloved hands, I held his in mine, and walked him to my favorite spot.
The sound grew louder and I felt him pause at my side. Jasper inhaled and exhaled slowly, allowing me to guide him closer. I sat down on the grass and patted the spot beside me.
Jasper whispered as if he would disturb the bees if he were any louder. “What are we doing?”
