Enchanted: A Pumpkin Path Love Note

I don’t remember every skit that was performed during my first walk of the Pumpkin Path, but I do distinctly remember one. A simple scene of white, a baker singing a sweet song, and a warm bun handed to the chubby, outstretched fingers of my young son. I remember a swelling of gratitude in my heart for this gift. The gift of an event so wholly designed for the delight of the young child. My own eyes shone with wonder as I walked the path lit with hundreds of jack-o-lanterns. And my heart was warmed by the magic of parents coming together to create something so reverent of childhood. It was perfect: the bun, the mandarin orange, the single piece of chocolate, the small handmade treasure, and popcorn and apple cider by a bonfire.

The best parts of us all are celebrated when we share these simplest of things. Now it is my turn to help carry forward this precious gift to the young children of our community. It is an honor and a gift that returns to me tenfold when I gaze into the shining eyes of the children who stand before me open, trusting and enchanted; not by the little poem I recite or scene or treasure I helped create, but by the whole of us together, making real magic for our children.

Maybe you have experienced the wonder and warmth of the Pumpkin Path with your children or grandchildren who have grown a little and need not your hand to hold, but your example to follow. Maybe you feel called in your heart to help create this experience for the families of the youngest among us, and you don’t yet realize how valuable is this impulse inside of you. I invite you to sign up, reach out, create something new or step into a role that feels simple, easy and joyful for you.

Many hands make Light work.

With love and deep respect,

A Sunrise Parent