Animals, Insects, and Empathy

For as much time as we spend rushing around to provide the kids with special experiences, I find that the simple moments with them are often among the most enjoyable.

Graham and I spent time in a local park recently feeding the ducks. It was so peaceful, and it provided what I hope is a glance into his character.

I took great joy - and yes, pride - in listening to him speak softly to the ducks as he fed them, offering sweet comments about things like it being feeding time and making sure they all got food. He even started naming the ducks and invited me to join in that process.

I attempted to explain empathy to Graham as we crossed the walking bridge afterward. As usual, my parental teaching became complicated and muddled. I essentially explained that empathy meant putting yourself in someone else's place, so he had done a good job at putting himself in the place of a duck.

That same gentleness has emerged again in recent days as we've started a habit of collecting lightning bugs outside the house each night.

I wasn't prepared to explain death to Graham just yet, especially given the troubles I had explaining the much simpler concept of empathy at lake. However, I also didn't want him to expect to keep the lightning bugs forever.

After a parenting discussion, Erica and I decided that first night to hope that the lightning bug, Electric, survived a stay in a glass jar. If so, we would convince Graham to release him the next morning.

The lightning bug survived, and Graham was amenable to releasing him when I explained that his stay was like a sleepover and now he had to return to his family.

Once again, Graham's gentle spirit shined through as he encouraged his new friend to leave the jar with words like, "Don't be scared." We've had several overnight stays, so the catch-and-release program appears to be working well.

Meanwhile, Erica and I visited a pet shop ... just in case.

Memorial Day Classic

I've been trying to garner the motivation to run a 5K for a while now. I originally targeted the Shoney's 5K this past spring - (Because, come on, what's better than an appearance by Shoney Bear and a post-race buffet?) - but we ended up having a scheduling conflict that day. Instead, I settled on the Memorial Day Classic in neighboring Hendersonville, Tenn.

Aside from some minor setbacks like locking my keys in the car prior to the race, things went well. I beat the goal I established for myself in terms of finishing time and went home with an age-group medal to boot. I believe the last age-group medal I received was when I was a teenager. The guy who finished in first place asked what my next race was going to be. My thought was, "To the fridge."

The advantage of having locked my keys in the car was that Erica came by with the kids after the race. They arrived in time to hear my name announced as an age-group winner. I want to lead by example for the kids on many things, including the importance of taking good care of your body. Based on his comments as I arrived at the car, Graham was clearly impressed.

"Congratulations! I wish you had gotten first place, but second place is pretty good, too."

I took this before the race, not as I headed toward the finish line. That would have been impressive.

I was pleasantly surprised to head home with an age-group medal. 

Preschool Graduation

Our expressive little boy graduated from Tots Preschool on May 26 during a program that included the "Pomp and Circumstance" processional played on the Preschool Director's iPhone, several enthusiastic musical performances by the kids, and a fun certificate ceremony. Oh, and snacks. Aubrey particularly liked the lemonade and sheet cake.

Graham was the most demonstrative graduate. He called out his classmates' last names as they went to get their certificates. Imagine several variations of sayings like "Way to go, Doyle!" He also provided something of an echo as the Preschool Director offered her closing remarks ("Yes, thanks for coming.")

We watched Graham experience tremendous growth during his several months at Tots Preschool. Most notably, he started sounding out words and has begun the reading process. He's also gotten much better about shaking off injury (i.e. toughening up a bit). We were consistently proud to hear how well he treated his classmates and that he worked not to exclude anyone. Okay, he occasionally fell into the "No girls allowed" trap. We see that one at home, too.

"...and strum your guitars." He's not off script; he was supposed to be playing air guitar at this point in the song.

A close-up of the graduate. 

Aubrey was all smiles for her big brother.

Graham and his teacher, Ms. Jamie. 

"and wave your arms." Again, on script. We heard him rehearsing this song in the car several times leading up to his graduation ceremony. It has become a family favorite.