Stories and doing bonkers

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

- Frederick Douglass -

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Not too long ago I spent a couple weeks on vacation in Queensland, Australia visiting one of my brothers and spent time with his son, my only nephew. We had so much fun playing games, Lego, riding his bike, (he was riding, I was running around after him, treasure hunting at the beach, visiting the aquarium, army tank museum, markets and just generally just hanging around being together. It did my heart good to spend time with the little guy because he lives so far away I don't see him much; once in the last two years.

He's almost four now and is such a funny little kid: Cheeky, smart, mischievous, caring, gentle, strong, outgoing, kind, generous...He's an all rounder really and I think that's pretty cool.

One of the most enjoyable things we did was story reading which happened each night before bed. It's something his dad would usually do with him but I had the privilege of reading the stories whilst I was there; in fact, the little fellow insisted. OK, I'd be happy to.

He'd select the book and on a couple of occasions chose the same one; there's only so many times one can read Cat in the Hat, but it seems the little munchkin can't get enough of it. We'd settle down and I'd read to him and as I did added some dialogue, involved him, commented about the pictures and make it more interactive for him. He's a smart kid so he added his own observations, most of which were very funny, and we generally had a really great time.

I know you'll say I'm biased, but this little kid is so awesome; I guess a lot has to do with the upbringing he's getting from my brother and sister in-law. They are spending a lot of time with him, exposing him to many varied things and allowing him room to explore, make mistakes and be his own person also. It's a good mix and the kid is turning out well.

I'll admit to being a little worried about the future of the world and society as I feel it's taking a path that won't lead anywhere good. Yes, things change, I get it, but I believe we're running off the tracks in many respects right now and it's not going to end up in a good place for those of us around in twenty, thirty, fifty years and more. I'll be dead of course, but my nephew will not be and it's throughout those years he'll need every edge he can find to navigate what's to come. I think he'll be ok though and I think he's going to grow up into a very good man and I like to think some of my influence and attributes will stick with him.

I found out a couple weeks ago that I'll have this little kid at my house here in South Australia for a few weeks over Christmas and the turning of the new year which will be great. We're not a religious family and Christmas is simply another day albeit an excuse to eat way too much. This year it's going to be awesome though, and a little bonkers, because me and this kid together equals bonkers. Of that there is no doubt!

I've got a few things planned and on the list is nightly story-reading which I'm really looking forward to. He hasn't been told he's coming yet so on our video calls each week I have to be careful not to let the cat out of the bag, but I always ask him what he would like to do if he came to my house and the last time went like this:

Me: So, what stuff do you want to do when you come to my house?

Him: We can do bonkers and play Lego and you can show me your guns.

Me: Cool, we can do that. Anything else?

Him: I can play with your remote control truck and we can have toast.

Me: (Laughing) Yeah, we can do that.

Bonkers is our word...it describes him perfectly and I often call him Mr. Bonkers. He thinks it's hilarious. Doing bonkers, well that could be anything I suppose and I'm looking forward to doing it.