Crunchy brown leaves did cartwheels, flips, and twists, as a nanny wheeled a baby carriage by and its tiny occupant deliberately peered out, then, literally, self adjusted to get a better look at me where I sat on the park bench.
A little girl, maybe 5 or 6 years of age, with the carefree giggle that erupted into laughter and squeals when her guardian blew a whirlwind of bubbles in her direction.
This same party was later approached by a wandering, curious, sturdy legged toddler with male guardian (possibly father) in tow. Initially, this little one stood about four paces away, watching the unfolding bubble action. Then, at the other guardian’s invitation (let’s call her, the Keeper of the Bubbles), followed by added encouragement from the male guardian, the little one walked closer. The moment the Keeper of the Bubbles placed the bubble wand into the child’s hand, the latter, now with the wand outstretched, went statue-still. The adults, and even the little girl, could be heard giving instructions on how to use the wand to create bubbles. But still motionless, this little one seemed too young to understand. When the Keeper of the Bubbles took back the wand and blew some bubbles, the child unfroze, took a few steps, watched the bubbles with rapt attention, then steadily moved in the direction they’d drifted in.
I loved watching this little one explore. I’ve mentioned the sturdy, steady walking, but I bring it up again because the child looked so young and the execution was rather impeccable! I guess I’m used to seeing at least a wobble in the walking movement of children who appear this young.
I also loved how, even while fully engaged with encouragement and elaborating on things that seemed to catch the child’s fascination, the male guardian gave just enough physical and autonomous space that it felt like the perfect balance of love and trust and independence.
There’s also lots of love for the awesomeness of the Keeper of the Bubbles and the little girl who were so welcoming! And, I give a final shout out to the male guardian who, as he and his little one were leaving, expressed his appreciation to them for the time spent.