My son has always enjoyed going to the beach, but in past years he only waded slightly into the shallow water and splashed a bit, mostly preferring to play in the sand. It wasn’t all that long ago that he screamed in protest every week when it was time to go to his swim lessons. So, we are amazed at how comfortable he now is in the water.
Although he doesn’t yet have good arm strokes, Kai loves putting his head in the water and diving under.
Our local beach is convenient, but there are a lot of small rocks near the shore that make it a bit painful to walk. It didn’t bother Kai, as he spent most of his time diving down and bringing up rocks.
He amassed a large collection, going back down, bringing up a handful of rocks, and then carrying them back to shore. After awhile, he smartened up and had Dad lug them back to our beach blanket.
After awhile, I realized that he was going to want to bring them all home. I didn’t want to carry all of them back to the car, let alone have them take up space at home. So, I told him that the rocks have to stay on the beach. He got mad, as he had been looking forward to keeping his collection. I reconsidered, and told him that he could pick out ten to bring home.
At National Parks, you are not supposed to take anything, but I don’t know what the official policy is for this municipal beach. I was a bit embarrassed, though, to be seen bagging up the rocks and carrying them out. My wife, though, thought it was cute that Kai swam so well and worked so hard and wanted to bring them home. After thinking about it more, I agree.
I relented and let him pick out a lot more than ten. We ended up filling about three bags. I asked him who would carry these heavy things and he insisted that he would. And he tried. Though seeing him struggle, my wife and I took his share and let him carry the lighter sand toys.
Hopefully we didn’t break any city rules by taking the rocks. Heck, I think maybe they should pay us for cleaning up the beach a bit. But, regardless, I will treasure the little rock garden we’ve started in our backyard as a small symbol of the progress Kai has made with overcoming his fear of the water.
The purity of a child's heart reverberates in ours... as parents. Even if we, as adults, have forgotten compassion (not that you had)...they re-teach us. I wouldn't have been able to resist my son's request either. He had worked so hard for his treasure...and now you have a treasure to remind you of that day.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great story.
Thanks. Sometimes I need help to remember what is important to a child
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