A few weeks ago, Son #1 and Son #2 raced from the breakfast table to grab their roller blades. Son #1 slid his on with ease while Son #2 yelled. "Help me, Mommy!"
I walked over to the entry way where Son #2 stood. "Alright, I'll help you. Sit down so I can get your socks on your feet." I said hurriedly. It was around nine o'clock and the morning air was still cool. We wanted to get as much outside time as possible before the heat and humidity became oppressive. I slid the roller blades onto my youngest son's tiny feet. Then, I secured his helmet onto his head.
"Mommy, I want my gloves." Son #2 squeaked as he pointed to his hands.
"O.K. Let me find them." I replied.
"I've got them!" Son #1 yelled as he glided from the bedrooms to the front door.
"My gloves!" Son #2 cried out with glee.
"Thanks, Son." I said to my oldest boy. "That was really helpful." Son #1 leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Then, we helped Son #2 onto his wobbly feet. Carefully, we guided Son #2 through the doorway, down the driveway, and to the sidewalk that ran in front of the house. Once Son #2 was comfortable, Son #1 raced off to the end of the street. I tried to take my youngest son's hand in an effort to help but he pushed it away in disdain. "No, no, no! I do it by myself!"
I shrugged my shoulders and sat under the shade tree. Son #2 smiled at his new found independence and proceeded to inch across the concrete. As Son #2 moved unsteadily about, Son #1 skidded to a stop in front of him. My oldest son watched his younger brother for a moment. I could tell he was analyzing the situation and trying to come up with a better strategy for his brother. After some time, Son #1 tapped his brother on the shoulder and asked. "Do you remember how Caillou roller blades?"
Son #2 shook his head.
Son #1 bent down to look his brother in the eyes. "First you push and then you glide." My eldest son explained. "Watch me. First you push and then you glide."
"Oh!" Son #2 responded while nodding his head. My youngest son slowly began to imitate his older brother. At first, he was unsure of himself. Yet after watching his brother a few more times, he began to get the hang of things.
We spent another hour skating in the front yard before the heat became unbearable. Once inside the house, the boys drank ice water and lay on the couch. I flipped on the T.V. and changed the channel to PBS. Sesame Street was on and soon the boys were engrossed by the songs. At some point during the show, Elmo and some kids decided to roller blade in the park. Son #2 was delighted. Some of the kids could skate well and others were just learning to roller blade. All of a sudden he turned to me and shouted. "Wow! That's just like me!"
"That is just like you!" I responded with a smile. "You were learning to skate just like the kids on Sesame Street."
"Oh yeah!" Son #2 giggled as he watched the kids slide around in the park. "I skate, too!" As the show continued, the boys slowly lay back on the couch with their eyes partially closed. Soon, they were completely relaxed after a fun morning outside.
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