HANDPRINTS
by
Helen Gibbs Pohlot

Back when Bruce was nine months old, his inquisitive nature kicked into high gear. Much to the dismay of spotless window lovers, Bruce left his handprints on everything, especially Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy’s windows.

From a nine-month-old’s perspective, Bruce probably thought the windows were there for support.  Just learning to walk required props. Besides, how else was he going to watch Rocky, his aunt and uncle’s adorable dog, race around the backyard pool.  Rocky never went in for a swim. He just sprinted.  Bruce watched, captivated with his hands pressed against the windows which lined the entire back of the house.

A whole new world opened up to Bruce when Aunt Nancy, Uncle Joe, and cousins Joey and Nikki plus Rocky moved to Mission Viejo, California. Bruce’s parents had moved there the year before from Maryland.  Living only a mile away from family was a wonderful gift, especially in your first years of life.

Visits to his cousins’ house were a highlight for Bruce. While his mom enjoyed chips and dip with Aunt Nancy, Bruce learned from his cousins, who also became his first friends.

Nikki taught him karate while Joey introduced him to baseball. Together they played games, raced around the house, and created precious childhood memories.

Aunt Nancy always had a box full of toys, activities, and books that she saved from Joey and Nikki for Bruce to enjoy. He spent countless hours fascinated by all the new and interesting things introduced in his life.

Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions were enjoyed together. On their first Halloween in California, Joey and Nikki took Bruce trick-or- treating.  Bruce was very excited. He couldn’t wait.  He didn’t know what to expect, but the idea of candy was always a plus.

Everyone, including the adults, dressed in costume. Aunt Nancy’s mom, who came in from Bird Island, Minnesota, donned a beautiful pair of sparkling wings in the spirit of the occasion.

Bruce’s mom and Aunt Nancy accompanied Joey, Nikki, and Bruce as they set out trick-or-treating. Uncle Joe, Bruce’s dad, and Aunt Nancy’s mom gave out the candy at their house.

Going from house to house delighted Bruce, especially since he received a treat at each house. Not realizing proper Halloween etiquette, Bruce grabbed a handful of candy when a woman put forth a big basket saying, “Take what you want.”  Bruce did.  Suddenly, the woman seemed slightly miffed.

“That’s enough,” she said to Bruce.

Nikki quickly came to Bruce’s defense.  “It’s his first Halloween.  He’s only one,” Nikki told the woman.

At his mom’s insistence, Bruce reluctantly put back some of the candy, but the woman, softened by Nikki’s incredible loyalty, wouldn’t hear of it. She threw a few extras in his bag.

For another year Bruce got to enjoy living in close proximity to his cousins. It was a magical time of discovery orchestrated by gentle and loving people.

Bruce was a little over two when his dad got transferred to Massachusetts.  Saying goodbye was very hard.

After the movers left Bruce’s house, he went to spend the night at his cousins’ one last time. Uncle Joe and Aunt Nancy grilled delicious food. Joey, Nikki, Bruce, and Rocky played and enjoyed every moment, knowing it would be quite a while before they saw each other again. After dinner everyone gathered at the dining room table for games and conversation, something they typically did when they all got together.

Before leaving the next day, Bruce ran to the back windows overlooking the pool, hands pressed against the pane, and watched Rocky’s characteristic run.

Shortly afterwards, Bruce and his family waved goodbye to a beautiful two years.

A week or so later, Aunt Nancy told Bruce’s mom that Uncle Joe, who usually cleans the windows each week, noticed a particular handprint.  Known to be meticulous and thorough, with Windex in hand, Uncle Joe went to clean it, but stopped short. “It’s Bruce’s,” he said and left it alone.

Sometimes a handprint is just a simple mark on a glass pane. Other times, it triggers a memory that leaves a handprint on your heart.