This writing comes just after the wrap up of a weekend keeping our 3-year-old grandson, Canyon. After two very full and eventful days with us, his family picked him up and they rolled down the driveway and out of sight.
His absence gave way to calm and quiet and to the realization that it has been a while since I felt this tired. In fact, I think I have been operating on "reserve" now for awhile.
Yes, it takes some effort to stay a step ahead of an imaginative toddler, but this Nana gladly accepts the challenge, at least in short bouts. Maybe at this moment I am a little worse for wear, but I still consider it a special joy and privilege for opportunities to share a youngster's life up close.
Canyon, like other typical tots, operates in a mode of constant discovery in a world that he perceives to revolve pretty much around him. Here are a few thoughts as I reflect over the past couple of days.
You might be a toddler if...
• Taking stuff apart is the first thing that comes to mind.
• You take up more room in a bed than two full-sized adults.
• You say you don't want your sandwich but still protest as though the world is ending when the dog snatches it from the picnic blanket.
• Your imagination can make a "pirate island" out of a local body of water and a "treasure map" out of a spent fireworks fountain tube found in the grass.
• You want to stop and smell every flower you see.
• You'll paint an entire step stool with a cup of water and a paint brush.
• You insist on chocolate milk at every meal.
• You say things like, "I miss my mom. Can we text her?"
• You'd be able to download apps if you could type the password.
• You can find games on cell phones that the owners didn't know were there.
• You fill a rubber glove with gravel from the parking lot and say you're picking berries.
• Calvin and Hobbs cartoon creator could gather some good material by hanging out with you.
Watching, guiding and caring for the needs of our little explorer for the weekend has been both exhausting and fascinating. I will be ready to do it all again soon, but right now I need one of those big long afternoon naps that he tries so hard to avoid.
Annette Rowe is a freelance writer from rural Gentry and a speech-language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She may be reached by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 07/23/2014