It’s time for a more lighthearted post. Below are three stories involving words and actions of a few three year olds. 

In 2009 my mother returned from visiting my sister in Colorado following the birth of a new granddaughter. Since we live very near the airport, she stayed with us for a couple nights upon her return flight. The combination of the high altitude in Colorado, the fall pollen season, and the flight itself, had given mom a few minor health issues.  I didn’t have the needed over the counter remedy and told her I would run to the grocery store to get something to help her.  Our son was a brand new three year old at the time and was full of energy, excitement, and joy at his Grandma being there.  The following conversation occurred after he heard me mention going to the store for medication.  

Three year old: I need some medicine too.  

Me: No you don’t, you are already bouncing off the walls as it is. 

Mom: Thank you, here is what I need. . . What is that sound? 

(From our dining area we hear a thump, thud over and over. I look over to see my son gripping the chair rail, pulling himself up, then “kicking” the wall as he slides along the chair rail.)

Me:  Son, what are you doing? 

Three year old: I’m bouncing off the walls.

Laughter truly became the best medicine.  I never made it to the grocery store that night.  It wasn’t needed.  

20 years later the previously mentioned three year old was a new college graduate and was living at home while looking for a job. During one of the weekly visits from my daughter and three year old granddaughter, a very interesting conversation took place. Dinner was over with, but we were still at the table talking and sharing. The topic of a certain messy bedroom came up, followed by this little banter.

New graduate: I just need my own Alfred. 

Me and my daughter:  Hahaha

Three year old: I need an Alfred too! 

Me, the new graduate, and my daughter: Laughter for several minutes that resulted in “leaky eyes” and stomach aches.  Finally, after a few deep breaths:

Me: (to Three year old) What’s an Aflred?

Three year old:  Whooo, Whooo, Whooo!  

Me, the new graduate, and my daughter: Another spell of laughter, leaky eyes and stomach aches.  

Jump ahead to the current year. This three year old story is about our son’s dog, who turned three today. The story took place a few months back. Our son left for graduate school last August, so his chiweenie remained at home with us. By Christmas, she was attached to my husband since he was home all day, but seemed to need a friend to play with. She absolutely loves visits from our daughter’s two dogs, especially Rooney. She adores him. She begs him to play.

My husband took a few months to make up his mind about getting a second dog. One day during February he said he was ready to try. I had already saved several photos of dogs up for adoption in several shelters. One small dog looked like a good fit. Sunni (the small chiweenie) was sitting in “Poppa’s” lap during our conversation.

Me: Sunni, would you like your “very own Rooney”?

Sunni: Immediately jumps off his lap, stands in front of his feet wagging her tail, smiling, and dancing around. She then looks over at her leash and harness to indicate she was ready to go!

Ahh, the joy of laughter! I hope these brought a smile to your face! Sunni now has her “very own Rooney” – a sister named Honey – a slightly older chiweenie. My granddaughter doesn’t have her very own Alfred, but does begin First grade on Monday. And as I mentioned, the bouncing off the walls three year old is now in graduate school. God is good! He sends laughter just when we need it most.

“A joyful heart is good medicine,” Proverbs 17:22a

“He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21