Kathy had to babysit our niece yesterday (I should rephrase that: Kathy had to take out the garbage yesterday. Kathy got to babysit our niece yesterday) and while I could have joined in the fun, I opted instead for an hour and fifteen minutes on the treadmill at Razor Sharp. (I went just over four miles, which is a new high for me.) But I came over after that, and decided that I couldn’t walk in the door empty-handed, and since I was already stopping at Walgreen’s to bring Kathy some Pepto Bismol, I decided to find something there that Lorelai would enjoy. The options were endless, and most were fairly junky, but I finally settled on a big squishy ball with funny soft nodules all over it – like some sort of strange sea anemone – and I could guarantee it would be a hit because it was I bought the only one in the bin that was PINK, Lorelai’s favorite color. The ball was good sized- maybe the size of a small bowling ball – and I walked into the house with it hidden under my shirt, which made me look like I was expecting triplets- tomorrow.
The mystery of what was under my shirt gave us a chance to quiz her- she poked at it and could feel that it was very sort, so we asked her – judging from its size and consistency – is it a pumpkin? is it a golf ball? is it a tomato? etc. Finally, there was the great unveiling and she let out a squeal as though I had just brought her half of the merchandise from ToysRus and promised her a trip to Disney World. And from there she and the ball were inseparable pals. . . and I watched for awhile before moseying over to Mark and Polly’s laptop and checking out some things on Amazon.
A few minutes later it dawned on me – as I watched Kathy and Lorelai playing – that if life had played out differently and I had been a dad, this scenario would have played out again and again and again. . . being gone to rehearsals or class or lessons or whatever, breezing in with a bribe/gift – and then very quickly settling into a chair to do whatever it is I was anxious to do – but not give my child the attention they deserved. Maybe. Maybe not. But a voice inside me tells me that I am more Uncle material than Dad material.
Whatever- I’m going to keep on buying pink balls at Walgreens and will keep reminding myself to do more than drop it into my niece’s lap as though I were paying a late fee at Blockbusters. Next time and thereafter, maybe I will remember to play with her and her new ball! What a concept!
pictured: Lorelai with her new ball. It was one of the blurrier pictures taken, but it really captures her delight.