As soon as I was able to walk I was sent outdoors and I would wander around the neighborhood as young as two. I don't know if I felt safer outside or if my mom didn't want to be bother with me or maybe a little of both, but most of my very young childhood memory as a toddler was that of me wandering around outside observing the beauth of nature and enjoying every moment of it. The thought of going home only entered my mind was when my stomach told me that it was time to eat. It was amazing,  looking back on it that I wasn't kidnapped or heaven forbid, if I fell into a hole. I don't think my mother would of missed me or cared just as long as I left her a lone with her books or watching TV. As sad and strange as it was I think those times of me wandering  alone were my happiest moments.

From~ " Portraits Of An American Family and The Illusions Of It All."