Author Description

Touching story of parents' emotions - excitement, fulfillment, loss... finding renewed joy as empty nesters. Uniquely told through the eyes of the family swing set. The swing set arrives brand-new in a box at the Smith family residence, and stands proud as he is built on site. He is overcome with joy when little Freddy and Samantha Smith rush up to play with him, and he soon feels like a loved part of his family. For years he feels wanted and at home as Freddy, Samantha, and all their friends play with him. But time moves on, the kids grow up and go to college, and the swing set is neglected. For years he feels forgotten, with little to do but amuse himself with the occasional bird landing on him or neighborhood cat climbing on him. With the kids gone, his life is not the same, and he has a hard time adjusting to a lack of purpose. Then one day, as he the swing set is feeling really old, Mr. Smith comes out with fresh oil and paint, and starts to fix the tired old swing set up. The next day, the house is full of energy and.....the Smith grandchildren come bursting out of the house to play on the swing set! Freddy and Samantha now have kids of their own, and their love of their old childhood friend is passed on to their own kids. Reinforced with fond memories of the past, the swing set can once more enjoy a life filled with the joy of young children.