As I step into one of the only time machines known to man — memories, imagination, dreams — I come upon one of my first clear remembrances. Rocketing through the haze of a second birthday, and a neighbor’s spooky second floor this time traveler docks at the memory of two three year olds.

Sesame Street, a favorite pass time for a set of youthful twins, has a theme today. “Cooperation” . . . such a grown-up word, and so hard to say at such a young age; oh, but we try, we try so hard, and we succeed!

Being twins and “sharing our height” this couple remains considerably short, and a lack of height has proved an inconvenience when attempting to turn on a light. But today, today, holds potential, we can cooperate! One petite, little girl gets on all fours with her hands and knees rubbing against the long, shaggy, golden carpet. The small companion climbs upon this human step stool, pleading that the other won’t send her plummeting, she reaches as high as possible — stretching, straining, striving — until those tiny little fingers finally flip the switch. “We did it!”

As two small adventurers, we race towards our parents to show them the newly found talent, and after showing off we shout in unison, “We cooperated!”

By Amy Bell
Written before June 3rd 1995