Let’s Play

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“When one teaches, two learn.” – Robert Half

Last Saturday morning, four-year-old Mr. D wanted to drive his remote control car down the sidewalk. Since we were still in our pajamas, I tried to lobby for a back yard activity. But the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Mr. D wanted to go out front, so I covered up with a coat and followed.

Funny thing – it’s hard to drive those remote control cars straight. We spent a fair amount of time just getting to two doors down, the side walk in front of my favorite neighbors. They are a retired couple in their 70’s. They’ve lived here for almost fifty years, I lived here for twenty and so we’ve got some history under our belt.

My neighbors are interesting, generous, and kind. We’ve shoveled five yards of delivered bark from the street to the yard together. I’ve gotten to know their kids and grandkids. My kids tell them all that’s top of mind every time they see them. They often rake my strip of grass between the sidewalk and curb in the fall. I bought them toilet paper at Costco during the pandemic.

When we got in front of their house, Mr. D said, “Let’s go ask them to play.” Some polite part of me thought we’d be pests asking them to do that on a Saturday morning. I said we shouldn’t. But Mr. D put his hand on his hip and said, “Follow my lead.”

When we got up to the front door and they answered, Mr. D handed the remote control to them and said, “want to drive?” We had a lovely time standing on the porch and talking while Mr. D chased down the car any time it went astray. It was so enjoyable to chat with my neighbors that I don’t see nearly enough this time of year with short days and cozy couches inside.

My kids keep teaching me how important play is. For myself. And to keep inviting others to play. It connects us and relaxes us. And it’s fun. It isn’t an interruption – it’s what we need more of.

86 thoughts on “Let’s Play”

      6. She’s worse than dead, dear. She does her level best to make everyone feel that I’m mentally incompetent, and should either be returned to her household for profiling and eventual lockup, or just locked up right now. All my grandchildren and great grandchildren have been taught to despise me.

        Liked by 1 person

      8. At a certain point one must put aside the heartbreak as much as possible and do what one can alone, so that’s what I’ve done. I really appreciate you taking the time to reach back. Please have a beautiful evening.

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  3. It couldn’t be said better, Wynne. Indeed, perhaps we need games where people of different politics join the other team to play a political game. Would it be healing?

    Liked by 3 people

  11. Oh how I am re-learning to play more at my age Wynne. 🤹🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🤹🏼‍♂️ While I know we tend to slow down, this lesson from Mr. D is an important one, that makes us get up off of our hind parts and move with purpose and compassion. Now this is such a lovely interruption I welcome. Thanks for sharing this sweet story! 😍💖🤗🙏🏽🥰

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  19. “Follow my lead.” WOW, that is one self-assured and confident child, Wynne. Way to go to you and Mr D. And play really is the best way to learn and to connect with our little ones. They teach us so so much every day. 💕

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    1. I love how you play with T to talk things out. I need to figure out how to do that better. Mr. D surprised me because he’s not usually so assertive. Maybe he’s growing into it!

      Hope you have a great weekend! XOXO!

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  22. I have no doubt that this encounter delighted your neighbors just as much as it delighted you. Also: But Mr. D put his hand on his hip and said, “Follow my lead.”—Too, too great! Kids! They know so much more than we do sometimes!

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    1. Kids do know so much more than we do sometimes – great point, Betsy! Yep, we just need to know when to follow their lead and still remember when to get the off to bed. Right, my friend? 🙂 ❤ ❤

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