You may see a small boy riding shotgun in the Peachman van. He likes to go “fast” with the windows down. He’s in charge of the radio, and we’ll listen to the same song over and over again as he points at passing cars and asks about the next visit to the toy store. It’s like a spaceship ride, a hulking machine behind us, the hoses swinging gently as we “fly” down the freeway. Somehow, I am having just as much fun as him.

When Peachman showed up in real life, he had the most perfect round noggin. Like a peach. And thus, the name Peachman came to life.

I don’t know where Peachman’s life will take him. I guess that’s part of the fun. I hope when he gets older and looks back, he will recognize that his Mom and I were thinking of him every day when we left the house.

For now, I will continue looking forward to “space ship rides,” as nothing lasts forever; sooner or later, it will just be a van.

I hope he remembers.