One of the perks of spring is being able to visit the parks again. Stopping to run around for a few minutes between stores on a long shopping day can make all the difference in mental stability (for both the kids and me!)
Usually at parks, Owen sticks to the ground and spends his time trying to eat rocks or bark. This means I spend my time pulling rocks and bark out of his mouth.
But yesterday was different. From the moment we arrived at the park, Owen was fascinated with the slides. He watched kids go down them, he climbed onto the bottom, and he pretty much ignored the ground covering.
Then it happened. Owen got up and started walking across the playground. This was a first! Uneven texture, with shoes on, not at home. Wow!
I watched, wondering where he’d go. I thought he’d climb onto the bottom of the slide again, but I was wrong.
He headed for the chain ladder. And made it up by himself.
After chilling for a few minutes at the top, he continued climbing the steps to the slide. He made it!
It took a bit for him to maneuver his body to the correct position at the top of the slide, but he figured it out. The smile on his face as he came down was priceless! And then he did it again. That time he looked at me with a clear, “I’ve got this Mom” look.
In many ways, I struggle to remember that Owen is almost nine. He needs help in so many areas. But this day–this day he was just a kid playing at the park. No eating bark, no help needed. Just a kid and a slide. What an amazing time! It was a blessing, and a reminder that Owen is growing up, in his own way.
Michelle says
What a great accomplishment. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
Thanks Michelle! I was pretty proud of him.
Tammy Maddox says
Oh my goodness! My heart celebrates with you:) thank you for sharing this with us.
Tammy
Lisa says
Thanks Tammy!