I Think I Can

We often look at folk who are younger, smaller, less experienced and determine that they just aren’t up to the tasks we perform with ease. Those are prime opportunities for lessons from the universe. Connor, before a teenage growth spurt, was always at the short end of the spectrum for his age, so he appeared younger than he was. Since this kid was born with no natural sense of fear and would jump off roofs for fun, I signed him up for gymnastics as soon as he turned two--figuring that any kid who could survive his daily kamikaze adventures could surely thrive in a pads and cushions environment. I let the instructor know that Connor was well beyond parent-assisted activities and would do well in a more advanced environment. The instructor looked at me with the patience of people used to dealing with parents who are unduly impressed by their own offspring and gently but firmly shut that idea down. Connor was two, so in the two year-old class he would remain. Until the teacher got a look at Connor on the trampoline and the rings and visions of competition gold danced through his head. By the time we left the gym that day, Connor was placed in the six year-old class, where he had no trouble keeping up. In Mo Willems’ Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus, all the big people forget that small people are a lot more capable than they seem sometimes. Ain’t it the truth.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Grandma! I think of you every day.

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Pigeon-Drive-Bus/dp/078681988X

http://www.mowillems.com/