Lime Green Boots

Recently I started taking two children to a Homeschool skating hour at a local arena.  The homeschool families rent the arena for an hour of skating and hockey fun.  I used to bring my children to this same arena for an hour skate many years ago.  I always brought my stroller and borrowed a baby or toddler and pushed it on the ice.  That way I had something to hang onto and keep me upright.  The one time I did not have a stroller, a child skating the wrong way ploughed into me causing me to fall.  That was one of the last times I skated in the arena.

Now, I just watch and take pictures. The first time I brought my two youngsters, a preteen boy began chatting with me like I was a long lost friend.  He was on skates for the first time in about seven years and he was proud of his “remembering” at how to skate.  I smiled and affirmed his comments all the while doing a mental check list of the “poor homeschooled” children who are supposed to be so poorly socialized.  I remembered my own children, homeschooled and yet able to carry on a conversation with a senior citizen, a peer, an adult, or a child much younger than themselves.  Is this not socialization?  Being able to talk to anyone and get along socially?

There have been many instances in which I have observed children in social settings, and it seemed evident that the ones from “school” situations did not have the social skills to talk to someone other than their peers. So once again, we prove the naysayers wrong….

Which brings me to lime green boots.   I enjoyed watching a boy of three or four the other day at the arena.  After he was finished on the ice, donned his lime green boots and proceeded to practice climbing stairs in the stands and running along the top deck and climbing down the stairs and running along the front and so on and so on etc.  I admired his lime green boots and when I told him so he said, “Thank you very much.”  I was impressed by his response.  Obviously his parents have taken the time to teach him how to respond when someone gives you a compliment.  This is not a news flash but this is my reality.

Remembering Dad

October 11th, would have been my Dad’s 101st birthday.  With some parents, you struggle to find some good memories with which to remember them by…but with my dad it was almost all good.  He was a kind man with a twinkle in his eye.  He loved to make fun, have fun, and so enjoyed a good joke.  In preparation for a visit of a relative, he would be composing a short poem or rehashing some funny happening from years past to remind the guest of happy times.

He was kind to animals and although he tolerated my cats, the pictures of his famous cows hung on his walls.  He was a farmer through and through and could relate stories of years ago…of runaway teams of horses, and what it felt like to surprise some boys on Halloween when they were trying to pull some trick on him.

Every afternoon following his lunch before I was off to school, we would cuddle on the couch and he would pretend to eat my ear for dessert.  What a wonderful memory that is…I can still feel his rough beard nuzzling my cheek.  When he grew sleepy I would crawl off the couch and go on to other adventures.

He lived with us for 5 and a half years before he passed away and I am glad I could give back some of the kindness with which I was brought up.  I believe his life was sustained by loving family living.  To this day when I hear the downstairs door open and close, I think ” Dad has something to talk over with me.”  That was his way….I miss him…I am thankful for a great Dad.

The Most Oldest

On Friday I was a mother duck to five ducklings.  I had my two charges in tow, plus three other siblings who are 6, 4, and 2 years old.  I hauled out my “old” umbrella out of the garage for the two year old and all watched me as I unfolded it and put her in it.  We began walking to the play park about 3 blocks away.   The four year old is an observant child and he began scanning the group and made some observations.  He said that his little sister was the youngest in the group and that Mrs. Spence was the most oldest in the group and her stroller was the most oldest too.  The little bits of rust on the metal…just gave it away.

I had a personal quiet chuckle to myself and made a note to remember the comment to tell his mom and to get a laugh from my own friends and loved ones.  I love a good laugh and I like to make people laugh so it was a win win situation.  I have always loved little children and was sorry in a way that my children had to leave that stage behind…if I am honest, it was exhausting.  But I love the honesty and freshness with which a child of four views his world.  It is something rare and wonderful and to be treasured.  Yes, I am the most oldest I have ever been, and with age has come some wisdom.  The wisdom when to laugh out loud and when to laugh inside.  I never will contradict a child who is honestly trying to size up his world.  I just find them totally charming.  This is not a news flash…this is my reality.