Playing flashlight tag as a kid is one of my favorite memories.

Sure being one of the smaller kids helped, being fast helped, and easily switching from low to running was valuable. But there was a technique to it that used the senses in a unique way.

There are also a few things we may have learned without knowing it. One is to not be afraid of the dark. Being up late on a pleasant summer evening is good, being outside in the dark was special.

Another lesson was how important listening closely to everything around you can be.

The buzz of the city is low with only a few vehicles around. No yard work or outside activities to make any noise. Just nature and the pitter patter of thumping feet running for the home base.

We had to learn to look at shadows differently. I remember a pole providing a shadow, enough that the ‘it’ person walked right past someone laying still by their feet. A slight movement of grass is all that could give them away. The idea that they had to call out your name before you reached base made for some interesting attempts with 5 names blurted out in succession hoping you were one of them. Then to turn around turn around safely and yell, “Do I really run like a girl?” Hope you have a Happy Friday.