In The Game

Every month we attend a family literacy night held at a local school. There is dinner provided, activities for the kids while the adults hear from a guest speaker, and a free book to take home. We've been attending these nights since Little Man was six months old, and this summer he will be old enough to attend their summer camp. There are so many types of families who attend, many of whom look like ours. We feel so fortunate to have found this gem of an opportunity.

Last week we arrived early to play on the school playground before dinner. After the requisite climbing and swinging, Little Man found a basketball and headed over the one of the basketball goals. As he played I noticed a young Black girl enter the playground and begin walking around the track. Soon, however, I saw her head our way. Without a word, she retrieved the basketball Little Man was using and began to play catch with him. Occasionally she would shoot the ball, then hand it back to him for his turn. If he made a basket I would acknowledge him, but otherwise I stayed back and let him find his way with the interaction. Soon after the girl's older brother came in with another basketball and began shooting at another, slightly taller goal. He watched Little Man and his sister play, and -- again, wordlessly -- held out his ball as an invitation for Little Man to join him. As if by signal Little Man walked right over to him and they began their own shootaround. It was a bit more of a struggle to make baskets at the higher goal, but Little Man tried his best. Sometime he was successful, and other times his new teammate would catch the wayward shot and tip it in.  At one point he started to dribble and Little Man instinctively followed him in defense mode. I hated to pull him away for dinner, but the game ended as casually as it began. I encouraged Little Man to go back and thank him for the game, but as is often the case sudden shyness took over and all he managed was a small nod and wave. 

Getting to watch this snippet of time was so lovely. Seeing Little Man navigate this social setting on his own was heartening, but the chance to gravitate towards something that felt familiar was more valuable than anything. Of course as he grows we will talk of stranger danger and awareness, but somehow he knew this was something to move towards rather than run from. These siblings tugged at the invisible string around him, pulling him into a world where he will always belong. I wish I could have thanked them for their kindness, but to interject at all would have broken the spell. Since I couldn't say it then, I'm glad I can say now how grateful I am for Little Man to find his spaces.