When my nephew was born, he lived on Maui. I didn’t get to meet him until he was 18 months old when I visited from the mainland. His parents were thrilled to have a third adult whose body was several timezones ahead to wake with him at 5am and play together through the sunrise.
Like you. I followed his lead. He babbled. I babbled back mimicking his mouth sounds. He toddled. I followed. They lived next to an organic farm with chickens and goats. He led me to meet his friends and told me elaborate stories of them in his own language. We talked like that as he led me on adventures for hours.
When he moved stateside to start school at age 4 I insisted my brother allow me one day a week for play dates. I work half days every Wednesday so I can follow his lead.
He’s nine now.
I’ve watched myself learn so many things I had forgotten in these last five years.
That's so cool, Teri. What a gift and awareness to make the time to be with him before he gets older. I figured many caregivers, aunts and uncles would relate to what I experienced last weekend. I hope you and your nephew keep having play dates. :o)
When my nephew was born, he lived on Maui. I didn’t get to meet him until he was 18 months old when I visited from the mainland. His parents were thrilled to have a third adult whose body was several timezones ahead to wake with him at 5am and play together through the sunrise.
Like you. I followed his lead. He babbled. I babbled back mimicking his mouth sounds. He toddled. I followed. They lived next to an organic farm with chickens and goats. He led me to meet his friends and told me elaborate stories of them in his own language. We talked like that as he led me on adventures for hours.
When he moved stateside to start school at age 4 I insisted my brother allow me one day a week for play dates. I work half days every Wednesday so I can follow his lead.
He’s nine now.
I’ve watched myself learn so many things I had forgotten in these last five years.
That's so cool, Teri. What a gift and awareness to make the time to be with him before he gets older. I figured many caregivers, aunts and uncles would relate to what I experienced last weekend. I hope you and your nephew keep having play dates. :o)
How fun! My best and most joyous days have been playing with my grandkids! 😃
Ha! That's so good to hear and unsurprising, Nancy. Kids and grandkids are special.
Children know it more
They really do. So we unlearn and remember what it's like to be childlike.