He was ten or so small-boy-sized paces behind me when I resorted to begging. Please, Jaedon. Put your fast feet on or the train will go and we’ll miss it. We had loads to do. We had trains to catch, then trams after that, then some walking, then more trains and trams. I could have driven. It probably would have been easier, and certainly a lot faster, but I’d decided catching the train would be more fun. As I watched what little impact my begging had on him I realised I was taking all the fun out of it by demanding he hurry up, or walk quicker every two minutes. Not that he was listening anyway.
So I stopped. The trains ran every 15 minutes, so it was no big deal really. And I watched. I smiled as he precisely and methodically took each step, taking great care to step on the cracks. It’s a good thing those childhood rhymes don’t come true. I waited patiently as he stopped every half minute to examine a rock, a stick, a gum nut, or whatever else presented itself by the side of the path. And my insides bubbled as he squealed with delight, almost knocked over by the enthusiastic, slobbery tongue of an elderly man’s dog. Then I listened, delighted and proud, as he proceeded to excitedly re-tell his day so far, as man and dog both appeared to hang on every word. He was in his element.
We even managed to find some time to visit the playground. It was right across from the station, and as we played I counted three trains go past. I knew the day was coming to an end, and I probably wouldn’t finish all the things I needed to, but they could wait. This moment wouldn’t.
As I watched him throw his body, frightfully, from one piece of equiptment to the other, not realising how many heart attacks he was giving me, I was struck by how much of a boy he is. And how free in spirit and full of wonder he is. And how he delights in each moment, creating his own sense of joy. I have a lot to learn from my son.
I wonder if he ever thinks to himself, Please, mummy. Put your slow feet on, or life will go by and you’ll miss it.
.jpg "NJOY LIFE")
Narrelle x
{ Childrens Photographer Melbourne }