The party that wasn’t
Jack has been on the same baseball team as D. for the last few years. To begin with, D was one of those kids that you hoped your child wouldn’t set beside, because you knew there would be trouble. D’s parents are older…in their late 50’s early 60’s. D is adopted. He was uncoordinated and borderline mean at the beginning of last season. Then, as the season progressed, the rest of the time and coaches helped D find his rhythm and place. It was a little “village” that helped him become more socially adept and also befriend some of the boys on the team.
So this weekend was his birthday party. Jack and I arrived a couple minutes late, with present in hand and swimsuit ready.
“There are no balloons,” Jack observed, “and we are the first ones here.”
I thought that was strange, and when we walked up and saw D, I knew plans had changed.
“Because it was raining here an hour ago, we postponed the party until Wednesday.” His mom told us. “We tried to call Jack’s mom, but couldn’t get through.” Her home phone hasn’t worked in months…but I digress.
I could tell D was bummed…as was Jack. So we decided to stay. It wasn’t raining so the day wasn’t completely a bust.
Then, JW showed up. He is in the same boat D was in at the beginning of last season…without the mean. D’s mom and I talked with JW’s mom for a long time. She is worried about her son’s social development. We told her where D was last year and how much of a change he had gone through because of little league. Hopefully, next year, I can update on JW and say he has grown exponentially the way D has.
I still believe very firmly that positive involvement is extremely important for social growth. You can’t raise a child in a bubble. Sometimes peer pressure is positive pressure.
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