"Will You Play with Me?"

Looking bewildered and forlorn, the little guy just stood there in the 'watery mote' of the inflatable castle. Our eyes locked. I could not believe my ears when he spoke. “Will you play with me”? I stood there so still, not quite sure what he had said. I asked him to repeat his words. Out they came again.

He was only 3 but knew he needed help. He asked his grandmother to play, a request rarely heard by a grandmother. My heart was touched to its inner core. I could not believe what I had heard. I wanted to cry.

A day of silly had already begun when we appeared in the early afternoon that day, a few weeks ago. A barbecue had been planned. I had brought a few side dishes for this Father's day gathering. It seemed like any other occasion when family met. Any excuse to connect with our children was always a reason to rejoice. This youngest version of our extended family had been busy sliding down the water covered slide attached to the massive, colourful, inflatable castle. With four boys abounding, supervision was in full gear.

The adults in attendance watched in amazement at the unending climbing, running and laughter of the young children, my grandchildren, bouncing all around, on top and beside this monstrous inflatable medieval structure with its own mote for their daring escapes. (The dining room was further afield on the grass.) The food would soon arrive. Dad was in the throes of barbecuing. Yum would soon be here. Rules were in effect as always. Respecting others and being careful was #1 on the list for all.

Soon another child appeared. Nap time had delayed her entrance to the party. Her brothers had arrived earlier. Though dainty and cute my one- year-old granddaughter could hold her own. Her associate, Zeus, the German Shepherd pup, lay nearby ready to frolic on a moment's notice. She was fearless but ready to jump in wherever needed. She knew all the rules. Her engaging smile melted the hearts watching her move, steadily. The ground beneath her was uneven and lush yet she managed to hold firm as she roamed the earth, real or imagined. The sunny afternoon had captured her attention.

My 'Will you play with me?”grandson had gone on to play with others, better equipped and experienced to do his bidding. After all, play was a special kind of work. Maybe next time I will know what to do in the shadow of a castle. All I could think of then was a water fight. Who would want that?