I know Jack

Because of our upcoming move my kids are not in any organized sport or club or lessons. We had to skip the spring/summer session of everything as we will not be here to finish up anything there was to offer.
For this last quiet week before we move the kids have time on their hands. Playtime and relax time. These are not usually at their disposal. They actually have trouble finding playmates as all the neighbourhood kids are away at their respective sports and activities. Jack was just invited down the street to play (for 45 minutes before the playmate has to go to baseball). I love watching Jack head down the street to his buddy's house. My other, older kids hop on their bikes and dash away in a rush to get there, but Jack is different. Jack strolls along, taking the time to look up at the sky, you can just tell he is singing or talking to himself. When he gets the urge to pick up the pace and run, he starts by making a couple of energetic leaps, with arms flailing. And then a thought will come to him or something will catch his eye and he will slow to his stroll for a few moments before he starts to flex his arm muscles or swing his arms forward and backward.
That short walk down the street represents the best summer has to offer to me. A chance for a little guy or girl to catch up with themselves and ponder and observe and imagine. I think these valuable times get lost in the scheduling crunch of sports and music and camp. I remember my young days at my grandparents cottage. They are some of my most precious summer memories as they were formed as unrushed ideas and unbounded discovery of my world. I hope that our new cottage will offer the same things to my kids. A long string a beautiful days that do not involve daily shuttling in and out of the car or the endless demands of electronic addictions. A place where the weather will dictate our schedules and our imaginations will dictate our activities.
I think Jack just walked down the street into a great summer.