The Runaway

Landon ran away yesterday.  This has happened before but this time was different. Usually it's just empty threats and a lot of anger but this time he was so calm and resigned to the fact that running away was the only option that I was slightly worried.  I watched as he packed his backpack with food while I asked him what his plans were.
I said, "What if you get cold?  What will you do?"
He shrugged his shoulders and quietly said, "I'll figure something out, " and walked out the door.  I wish I took a picture of him as he slowly walked away with his little backpack on, heading out into the big world all by himself, or so he thought.
As soon as he was gone I quickly threw on a jacket and some shoes and headed down the driveway after him. Usually I just wait a couple minutes and they come right back but this was the first time I could actually picture my little boy wandering around aimlessly in the woods for an extended length of time.  I tried not to panic as I headed onto the road when I looked up the street and saw him.  He walked back to me, took my hand and said, "I think I'll come home now."  We walked back home, hand in hand, not saying anything.  I guess he just needed to get away for a minute and trust me, I totally get that!  The thought of running away {or even just hiding in my closet} crosses my mind frequently.
But I love this kid!  He has so much energy and enthusiasm for life.  The kids in his kindergarten class can't get enough of him and his busy social calendar reflects that.  He's one of a kind.