Fireworks

Evan has a complex relationship with fireworks. He loves the idea of fireworks. He loves to "make" fireworks by splashing water, or banging the mop. He even likes to talk about fireworks. But actually viewing fireworks terrifies him. This point was driven home when we went downtown to watch the Manchester city fireworks. Evan was very excited and talked about it for hours. As we staked out a piece of sidewalk to watch the show, Evan asked "Where are the fireworks?". And then they began... Evan clung to his father as though his life depended on it, burying his head in Pat's neck. Then came the whimpering and a feeble declaration that he "no like fireworks", which quickly escalated to sobs of terror and pleads to go home. The funny thing was that he never even saw any of the fireworks. The sound alone scared him and that was enough. Had he actually seen them he just might have enjoyed it.