Impossible to Discount Any Longer

On The Bus
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

The first day of school made it impossible for Michael to discount any longer that his best friend, Jon, moved to Baton Rouge this summer; as he tried to sleep, an uncontrollable sadness swept over him as the loss become unignorable.

Talking about school yesterday, Alex used the phrase, "the friends I know." You can easily read into that that he understands everybody else are simply friends he doesn't know yet. Michael is not like Alex, and is instead is similar to me; his way is to have a few, very close friends, but as rewarding as that can be it also carries a significant penalty when you lose one.

As an adult, I can minimize the impact of distance in the modern world, but that doesn't help you when your friend isn't at your lunch table or hanging out at recess. The only hope I could offer him last night was the idea that if we returned to Mardi Gras once more this year, I bet Jon would come see us. The idea of hanging out with Jon during the carnival parades made him happy, and it also made it more likely that we will once more return to New Orleans in February.

RAP (8.27.2008)

A Good, Well-Rounded Kid

Barfly
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael is a good big brother, and his leadership inspires Alex; I contend that Michael's love of reading has encouraged Alex to become the great reader he is, and I would also argue that Michael's innocence preserve Alex's. That may seem a little silly; the older child keeping the younger one more innocent, but Alex is more worldly and streetwise than big brother.

One may worry that Alex could lose his individuality to Michael's lead, but I assure you Alex is his own man. Sometimes Alex guides Michael; it was his drive to play football that encouraged Michael to go it a shot. Also, Alex has his own interests as demonstrated by the past weeks of chess and cupcake camp. I am pleased with how his well rounded, eclectic tastes have mixed with his brother's stewardship; Alex Patton, a football playing, chess enthusiast, baker, bookworm who is worldly wise, but is wise enough to linger in the golden days of childhood seems like a good, well-rounded kid to me.
RAP (8.22.2008)

"You Have a Wonderful Boy"

Here We Go
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Recently, while checking out at the Krogers on Bridge Street, Michael vanished. Jenny was momentarily panicked, but her fears passed as soon as she found him several registers away. It turns out that Michael had spied an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair and, being Michael, offered to assist him unloading his groceries onto the belt. The man accepted, and by the time Jenny caught up with him they were almost done. She was about to lecture Michael, but that was short circuited when the gentleman spoke. In a most sincere way, he told her, "You have a wonderful boy."
RAP (8.19.2008)

A Future in Politics

Ever Social
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Before Alex was born, I predicted that he would be able to be elected to office if he so chose; as time passes, and his skills and personality are revealed, my chatter seem more and more like a premonition. The most recent foreshadowing came Monday when Alex informed us that he organized the kids at chess camp so that they shared their snacks with each other. That evening Chris Obert was caught raiding his pantry by his mother; he was inspired to bring more items to share (Chris also now wants braces because Alex has them!). On Tuesday the fever peaked, as one little girl, whose name Alex does not even know, got carried away during the feast of Alex and enthusiastically told the others, "we need people like Alex to end world hunger." After which she proclaimed, "if he were to run for president, I would vote him!" A hearty cheer erupted as the lunch room morphed into scene reminiscent of parliament as the others kids loudly added their "me too"s! By the way, have I ever told you that if Alex wants one, I think he has a future in politics?
RAP (8.18.2008)

Inspired by Their Expedition to the Water Slides

Pure Delight
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Inspired by their expedition to the water slides on the other side of the Scioto, the boys built one of their own. By built, I mean cobbled together PVC pipes and garden hoses on our swing set slide. Of course their is nothing Rube Goldberg about such a construction in a child's mind's eye; from their perspective it is a glorious creation that will only grow more magnificent as time passes.

The neighbor kids joined in the fun, but at the core of it was Michael and Alex, Alex and Michael. They are different people, but perfectly matched. I say it over and over again, but the best gift we have ever given Michael was Alex. One day, we won't be here, but it makes me happy to know that in those days they will have each other.
RAP (8.15.2008)

The Company of Good Friends and the Perks of Age

The Gang
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Last Friday the boys made their inaugural trek to Zoombezi Bay. It is adjacent to the Columbus Zoo, on the other side of the dam, placing it all of a quarter mile from our house. One would think that they would have made it early this summer, but as always, the boys lives are full.

Their first encounter with the new water slides, pools and attractions was in the company of the Chesters. Even though we don't socialize with them frequently, each time is joy. I have snapshots of Michael and Jack in strollers together (at the Zoo), making him Michael's oldest friend. Lizzie is a firecracker and gets along with Alex very well, and little Anna is just adorable. Michael, Jack, Alex and Lizzie were allowed to roam the grounds freely as long as they stayed together. This was big for Jenny, and only came to pass due to Judy's wise tutelage. That wisdom allowed the boys to not only experience the company of good friends, but also some of the freedom of getting older.
RAP (8.14.2008)

Lessons Aren't Just for Kids

Take A Knee
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Football has started, and as I hoped, it is not easy; they are being worked hard, and they are persevering through it. At the end of the day, I have no doubts that they will be better for it. It is my hope that it can teach both of them a some things.

Michael needs to learn to pay attention more and learn to act with more urgency; their is no better feedback system than getting (safely) hit to aide in that.

Alex needs to learn to not take the easy way out, and I think he is getting there. Just being out in the evening sun for two hours voluntarily is a very good thing. There is a lot to be learned in choosing a harder path that has a small payout for a lot of investment.

The lessons aren't reserved for the boys though. After I witnessed Alex stand straight up during tackling drills, I was showing Michael how to improve his form. However, Michael fired out low, hard and tackled well. I need to remember they are different boys, with dissimilar strengths and weakness that are need of diverse lessons. I hope and believe that his foray into football has lessons for both, and perhaps for me also.
RAP (8.13.2008)