It was my perfect place, a place where I could let my imagination run free and unshackled by reality. At least it was until I was 11, because that's when they came and took it away. Now it's no longer mine and I can never see it again as it was before.
Looking around I knew this was the perfect place. Surrounded by three large boulders, I sat on the pond bank on a small patch of grass, our secret spot. In front of me was the pond. Behind me was a field of grass that was taller then me. To both sides there was forest.
“Come on hurry up!” I said running to the edge of the suburb area, my best friend Jared in hot pursuit.
“How much further?” he asked, somewhat out of breath.
“It's just through this field.” I answered pointing across the field in the direction of the pond.
“No way! I'm not going through there. Alex said there were alligators in this field.”
“I don't see any alligators”
“Of course not that's because they are hiding in the tall grass.”
“Well then here” I said holding out my hand to him, “don't worry I'll protect you.”
He took my hand but said “I won't let the alligators get you.” I laughed then we ran hand in hand through the field as fast as we could.
“We made it!” I exclaimed as we reached the pond bank.
“Wow! This place is awesome!”
“I told you so.”
“Well you certainly were right.”
As he surveyed the beautiful landscape, I could almost see his imagination working, thinking of all the wonderful adventures we would have. And we did, such adventures that only third grade children could think up. Everything from alligator hunts to fishing for sharks to jungle explorers. Sometimes we would let other kids join in, but we would never let them go to our secret spot because that was for us alone.
For years we played in that place. We played there almost every day. Then one day, when we were 11, we went to the field but someone had put up signs stating the begging of the construction of new houses. We were devastated, they were taking away the place in which we had created so many wonderful memories. How could they do such a thing depriving children of there refuge? No longer will I be able to sit on the pond bank. No longer will I be able to explore the forest. No longer will I be able to go fishing in the pond. No longer will I be able to run through the field hand in hand with my best friend Jared, because he is also gone. He had to move away, far away.
Now all I have left are distant memories of a place where I was once free. But the impact those distant memories have had on my life is great. Memories that flicker through my mind, reminding me there is so much to smile about, even when something you love has gone away. These memories distant as they are, will last, shaping my life and guiding my choices.
