For a short while this little engine was the end all/be all for my son. Thomas The Tank Engine and his friends provided endless hours of joy.
He drove the little trains around the track he set up around the house. He drove the little trains around restaurants, the homes of families and friends and through various stores.
During quiet moments he very much enjoyed watching his Thomas videos and singing along with the various songs.
“A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.”
And then one day he lost interest in Thomas and company. Sir Topham Hat stayed in his drawer. James, Edward, Henry, Percy and Gordon- they all were relegated to the station house.
That little boy I used to see around the house grew up a little bit and began spending more time riding his bike, driving Hot Wheels and playing tag with his friends.
When I asked him about it he said “Dad, I still like to play with him, but I am older now,” and with that statement I saw the future. It was a little strange, but I swear for a moment his face was older and there was a hint of a five o’clock shadow, his voice was deeper and I could almost see the man he is going to grow to be.
And for that one moment I experienced a mixture of sad and happy feelings. I am not quite ready for him to be that old. I got a little misty eyed at thoughts of the future. And then the moment passed and the little boy was back standing in front of me.
As with all of his toys I am sure that the day will come when Thomas regains his most favored toy status, but for now he’ll have to settle for something else.
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