When she is sixteen years old, rushing off to a halloween party with her friends and no longer interested in trick-or-treating with Mom, I want to remember six-year-old Maddie, blowing out the candle in the jack-o-lantern, turning off the kitchen light (even though I was doing the dishes) and whispering “Good night, Happy Pumpkin Man”. When I protested, she said “But Mom – he needs a good night sleep – he’s got a big day tomorrow!”
This morning I told her that I was suspicious that Happy Pumpkin Man might have snuck out and partied all night. He’s got such a short life, after all – wouldn’t you want to live it up while you still can?