Ordinary Dreams

"You guys, doesn't that look like Terrance's mom?!" he asked mid-catch.

"Hey guys, doesn't that look like our teacher?!" he repeated.

It took me a moment to realize one of the boys playing football across the street was talking about me. School-aged kids with their outdoor voices after being inside all day, unaware their subject is within earshot.

I was on a walk with Tiger enjoying an afternoon of crisp air, sunshine, and fall colors. I acted as if I couldn't hear them but as I walked the next block ahead it hit me; I'm the age of those boys' mothers and teachers.

Once I got over my surprise at that reality (didn't I just leave home for college?), I liked his vision. A student of mine recognizing me walking my dog in the neighborhood after school. A young child seeing his friend's mother in me.

A reminder that ordinary days to one are dreams to another.