We watched the ducks from the bench by the pond that our neighbors salvaged from the curb. It was rickety and positioned on a downwards slope that had Jacob rolling off while splinters threatened. His brother came to the rescue more than once when I was adjusting the flash just out of arms reach.
Our ducks were having a meeting. A serious one. Travel plans perhaps? The air was chili enough for sleeves with just enough breeze that breaking sun spots through the branches overhead were welcomed.
Ben noticed the change and inquired about our ducks (we hold some ownership since we watched them toddle through our grass as sweet little ducklings in spring and by summer were applauding their first independent swimming attempts). I told them they would be leaving when the water got too cold for swimming. Their downy feathers couldn't keep them warm enough for the winter.
He looked at the ducks and back at me. I saw the connection as he held his brother's head on his lap. He touched his bald head lightly and I knew he was wondering briefly if Jacob would be staying the winter. Certainly those wisps of hair couldn't keep him warm either.
It's a good thing that boys have hats to keep them warm in the winter isn't it?
He smiled slightly and dropped his hand from the baby's head, wondering surely how I knew his thoughts.
I measured this moment as the one when Ben has accepted Jacob as a permanent and welcome addition...this little bald brother of his.
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