What is a 12 year old boy to do when his 4 year old sister nick-names him Squirpy?
My little man rolled with it. And in that moment, gave me another reason to tell the word he is my hero.
The kids and I were enjoying a late evening summer swim. The local YMCA pool was blissfully empty apart from my children and a few dedicated senior ladies getting in their daily exercise.
We are struggling these days with a serious case of the ‘It’s not exactly what I had in mind Mom. And therefore not quite grounds for true happiness. But I guess I will suffer through it’ Itis. I knew the kids envisioned a full day at the local water park. Conveniently located within walking distance of our home, the daily reminders of it’s presence can be painful. We always intend to buy a summer membership. This year, the budget did not have room for it. Daily shouts from our youngest, Benny, remind me they see it and long to jump in. Benny is four and alight with discovery. Everyday she shares a new observation and it is a wonder to experience life through her eyes. Her observations this summer highlighted a change in her older sister and brother: they had stopped asking to go. Knowing they wanted, I determined to find a way to meet the need within our budget. We had this YMCA membership and we were wasting it. We could swim everyday. And I purposed to do so.
The evening’s swim plans were met with enthusiasm. Kids get to swim, and mom gets 3 tired and showered kids. Win, win. My worry wort nature crept in when I realized the pool was virtually empty. Guilt joined the party when I found myself grateful for the peace and quiet.
We are blessed with 4 children. They are not deprived of socialization by any means, but a cohort free pool meant they must play together or play alone. This evening could still crash and burn. My children love each other and get along well, most of the time. The potential disaster would result from nothing more than the age and stage discrepancy we navigate everyday. Our oldest son is an adult now. J is their hero. (And mine.) Squirpy is 12 and stretching his middle school wings and emotions. Izzy is our 9 year old daughter. She and Squirpy can be thick as thieves one moment and then dire enemies the next. The closest in age, they tend to seek each other out at play times. Rounding out our blessings is little Benny. She isn’t so little anymore. More of a 4 going on 40 most days. So you see, the play together or play alone gambit is a dangerous one for a mom looking to make the most out of an evening swim. Pros: all my kids love water. They could pass for fish, given the chance to be in water all the time. They Wanted to be here. Cons: They swim at different levels of courage and ability. There are no fancy apparatus to play on, just a small warm pool and a big cold one. And no zero depth entry for Benny, meant I was on entertainment/lifeguard duty for the duration.
I entered the pool with trepidation. I left the pool with an overflowing heart and very happy children. They jumped right in. Respectful of the senior ladies and very polite, they played and swam. At times, Benny and I expanded her courage in the pool and she giggled while I stretched and exercised. When the big kids swam near, Benny called out to Squirpy: “You are my Squirpy and I’m going to get you!” Laughing together, the game was on. My son just rolled with. He laughed with his littlest sister and made our day. Izzy joined in the game and for that precious hour, all was right with the world.
And so begins: The Adventures of Benny, Izzy, & Squirpy. Come along.