There were several people laughing in the background when they picked up the phone. The woman who answered was chuckling.
“You’ve answered my question already,” I said. “I was wondering if you were open today. It sounds like you all are having fun.”
We were planning to meet some friends there for lunch — to buy a few groceries there rather than packing picnics ourselves (because we were all feeling kind of lazy). We were planning to sit in the shade in the breeze under the big Oak trees. Ranga said they’d bring board games. Anthony said to count them in. I said we’d bring folding chairs — just in case.
“Ha ha,” the woman on the phone laughed. “Yes we’re having fun. We love our jobs. And it’s a good day!”
I’ve been going there since they opened many years ago. I used to take Ben there on Saturday nights after I’d driven into town for the weekend. We’d eat, and then he’d run around with all the kids and climb on the playscape. I’d sit and watch and listen to the live music and enjoy feeling part of something. Those were hard years, and feeling part of something was important.
So anyway… we’re going there this afternoon. Because they’re open. Because we’ll have fun. And it because is indeed a good day.