HAPPY HALLOWEEN

This was Mitchell’s last October. We went to a local farmer’s lot to pick out some pumpkins to carve. Autumn had slipped away, and we were deep into fall, each day getting colder and colder. Except this day was unusually summer-like, and the evening sun warmed our skin as if from a distant fireplace.

Because his leg muscles had wasted away, Mitch had trouble walking around the uneven terrain. We lived on a hill at the time, so going from home to home was even a chore. He tripped and stumbled a few times, and he was much slower than the rest of the children. I couldn’t help but notice the look on my son’s face as he saw other kids race past him. He had a look of gratitude and determination. At one point, he just smiled and said, “Dad, I’m just glad I can still walk.”

After lumbering about the pumpkin patch for a while, we each took turns giving our boy a piggyback so our little boy’s legs could rest. Though he was getting bigger each year, carrying him was never a burden but, in fact, a great blessing.

Halloween was just around the corner, and I wondered what my boy wanted to do. Each year, trick-or-treating became more and more difficult. In the beginning, he used his electric scooter to go from home to home. As each year passed, his muscles became weaker, and trying to climb up a neighbor’s stairs to knock on their door was exhausting for him. The year prior to his last Halloween, he just parked on each driveway, and Luke or Wyatt would take his basket and trick-or-treat for him. That wasn’t much fun for Mitch because, like so many other children’s activities, he sat on the sidelines and watched the party from afar. No matter his disappointment or wanting to do what other children did, Mitch bore his burden with a tender smile - grateful to be alive.

So, as I carried my son on my back this warm October evening in the Pumpkin patch, I asked Mitch what he wanted to be for Halloween. He said, “Dad, I just want to stay home and give candy to other kids.”

“Are you sure, Mitchie? I will carry you door-to-door if you want.” I replied.

He responded with a soft whisper, “No, I want to stay home with you. Plus, I like giving to others more.”

True to his word, Mitch stayed home Halloween night and handed candy out to other children. Each time he shut the door, he had a big smile on his face. Giving to others brought more joy to little Mitch than getting ever did. Although his Halloween bag was empty that night, his heart was overflowing. So was mine.

To our surprise, later that night, thoughtful friends, knowing he was too weak to trick-or-treat, brought him some of their candy.

Though Halloween was different that year, in every way that matters, it was a happy Halloween.

In honor of my son, I'll look for those whose bags are a little empty and try to fill them with love and encouragement. Where I can, I will try to carry those who stumble, though I often stumble myself.

The key to happiness, I’ve discovered, is found in giving, not getting.