Day 807 - "I Ran" by A Flock of Ethans

I'm 99% certain that today is a momentous occasion. In 805 days worth of posts, I have never before mentioned the 1980s pop band A Flock of Seagulls. At least, I hope I haven't. If I have done so, sorry for the incorrect statement.

Wrong Flock of Seagulls

That's more accurate.

Of course, even if one doesn't consider themselves a massive fan of A Flock of Seagulls, I would wager there is at least one song most have heard. Allow me to "sing" a little bit of it.

And I ran

I ran so far away

I just ran

I ran all night and day

I couldn't get away

That song, of course, is "I Ran (So Far Away)." While I said earlier that I would wager most have heard it, I realize now that is a bet I do not want to accept. It just so happens there is a little boy who lives in this very house who has not yet heard "I Ran." Although, given recent events, he probably should hear it very, very soon.

This is one of those second-hand tales that I wasn't actually present for. However, I think I've heard enough variations of the tale between Bethany and Ellie that I understand the gist of the story.

Following our family walk yesterday afternoon, I headed inside to prepare a quick dinner while Bethany and the kids took some more time to play outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. While Ellie was more than happy playing with sidewalk chalk and water guns in the driveway, Ethan's sights were set on something much more adventurous. 

Before Bethany knew what was happening, Ethan was gleefully toddling down the sidewalk towards North Oak Trafficway. While she caught up to Ethan by the time he reached our neighbor's driveway, Bethany (and Ellie) were curious just how far his little legs would carry him. Surprisingly enough, his little legs would indeed carry him all the way to North Oak before Bethany scooped him up in her arms and carried that screaming little boy all the way home.

Once the three returned home, Bethany figured that would be the end of Ethan's travels. It just so happened that she was wrong about that. While her back was turned playing with Ellie, she looked back at where Ethan had been to see him nowhere in sight. She then set sights on him once again toddling down the sidewalk toward North Oak. The lone difference was that he had actually made it two driveways away from home this time. With that, Bethany quickly grabbed Ellie and the two followed Ethan all the way back to North Oak before picking him up and walking back home. For the record, Ethan screamed all the way home on that return trip as well.

Once the three arrived back home, Bethany made the executive order to leave Ethan in the house with me while she continued playing outside with Ellie. After all, Ethan had just covered a 1/3 mile on his own two feet during his little adventure and Bethany didn't really want to add to that total.

One has to wonder exactly why Ethan had such a strong desire to run away. Perhaps he just wanted some exercise. Or maybe he was looking for me and forgot I was inside. I personally like to believe that my son, ever the extrovert, was desperately wanting to go make a new friend and figured North Oak was where he would find the most people.

Regardless, the fact of the matter is that try though he might, much like A Flock of Seagulls, Ethan "couldn't get away." #DaddyWrite