A Halloween Encounter

My 3 year old had a lot of fun in school, a day filled with a snack party, the parade and a bucketful of treats. He was finally home taking a break with his favorite snack - milk & cookies. 

Just then, there was a knock at the door and out there stood little heros & princesses ready for some treats. There was excitement at both ends.. Ansh scooped out a bunch of candy bars for each kid & I had to slow him down to handing out 3-4 to each.  Next thing I knew he was all ready to head out himself! 

We excitedly visited our neighbors and a few other homes. He even offered candy to other kids walking by. His innocence at the concept of sharing treats tugged at my heart. After a brief stint around the block I convinced him to head home to add some layers as it was getting cooler. That was when the most exciting encounter happened.  

Down the road came a police car and Ansh instantly waved it down. The officer waved back & stopped. As he rolled down his window Ansh greeted him with "You are just like me!!!". The officer laughed and got out saying, "I sure am, I must get a picture with you." Yes, my little dude was dressed  as one of his favorite heros - a cop

The officer handed me his phone and posed next to Ansh. Ansh in the meanwhile was busy observing all the artifacts the cop carried. The officer was super nice and waited patiently till Ansh was still and posed looking into the camera. Finally he willingly sucumbbed to Ansh's ruthless interrogation.

Ansh with Officer Hunt

A gist of the curious conversation, 

Ansh - why don't u have a badge like me 

Cop - I have another uniform with the badge. Right now am wearing a vest with lot of pockets filled with stuff

Ansh - Why do u have scissors (somehow he noticed them in one of the officers  many pockets)

Cop - for medical emergencies. If someone is hurt, I need to cut off their t-shirt 

Ansh - nooo u don't do that; a doctor does 

Cop - <smiles> well cops do a lot of things to help when there is an emergency 

Ansh - <making a dejected face> I don't have a gun like u 

Cop - you don't need one, that's what I am around for

Ansh - why are u here

Cop - to keep an eye on little guys like you and watch out for bad guys

Ansh - u keep us safe? When I become big I will be just like u and get a gun. 

Cop - you don't really need a gun, the radio is good. You can always call me. 

Ansh - Where is your partner? Can I ride with you? 

(Short while ago he had asked if he can go for treats alone and I had explained how cops have partners to watch their back. I was his partner and so we had to be together) 

Cop - how old are u?

Ansh - I am just 3 but I will be strong when I am big... right mommy?

Me - <smile back & nod>

Cop - <smiles> I ride alone but would be good to have a partner; maybe once you are bigger you can ride along

Ansh - <holds out bucket> do you want some candy 

Cop - oh thank you for asking, but you should keep it 

Ansh - you know my dad is not here, he is working

Cop - Aah, let me tell you a secret. I am working too but since I live in town, I can go and watch my kids trick-or-treating during my rounds. 

I started thanking the officer for spending so much time and answering the whole lot of questions; but Ansh tugged at me saying... "he is my friend, let me talk mommy"

Finally it was time for goodbyes and Ansh relayed his final message "You keep us safe ok. If there are bad guys in my house I will call you... You have to come and  rescue me!"

Whispers to me, "Can I give him a hug?"

Me - of course

Ansh - and a kissi 

Me - <smiling> sure, do ask him though

Ansh - <excited & loud> can I give you a hug & kissi???

Cop - of course!!!
And they tumbled into a bear hug 

Two very happy and excited boys headed off in opposite directions. And then there was  me... the happy hen who couldn't stop smiling watching her chick clucking away in joy about the whole encounter.