June at the Park

Last week we had a day or 2 that was nice (55* and sunny) so we try to take advantage of getting to parks on those days.  We went to Breinigsville one day and I had one of my proudest mommy moments *ever* happen.  It makes up for some of the "what am I doing WRONG" thoughts that pass through my head as one child bites another or more marker is found on places it should not be. :)  My proud mommy moment was a glimmer that maybe, just maybe, I am putting all this work in and good might come out. :)

So... here is how it happened:

June was on the big jungle gym and I was about 100-200 feet away, walking with Elizabeth.  I had a full line of vision for June as I watched him slide down the twirly slide and immediately hop off and turn around to face the base of the slide.  He started saying things like "it's ok" and "you can come down now" and "come on."  Next thing I know, a little 12-15 month old boy slides down the slide.  His mama is up top and starts to find her way out of the jungle gym and down to her son.  It's a big jungle gym so it took her a minute.  In that minute I saw June think and hesitate as he said "it's ok, your mom is coming."  Then June gently scooped up the little boy, turned around, and gently set him back on the ground.  His mom got to the base of the slide right as June set the little boy down.  I'm sure his mom was taken aback that June picked up her son, but he totally had it.  He did such a good job.  :)  He shows the same care with Elizabeth, but it was absolutely priceless to see him show such thoughtfulness and carefulness with a complete stranger.

Take a step back a second. June is 4.  He knew enough to know that the little boy was about the size of Elizabeth so he needed to wait at the bottom of the slide for him.  He also knew that the boy couldn't get down but wanted to.  He wasn't about to run off until this little boy's mom came... or ultimately until he got the little boy down safely.

My heart is so happy to think back on that story.  I didn't have to tell June to help the boy.  He didn't do it because he was pressured or because someone was watching.  He did it because he cares and he knew it was the right thing to do.  He knew that little boy was too small to maneuver the slide alone. :)

June was praised for his good act that day.  I couldn't have been more proud.

Go June!