Remember tetherball? Did you, like I, always used to get bonked in the head? Or, if not bonked, were you utterly unable to reach the ball on account of an epic, completely unfair hit from a taller, stronger, faster, better-looking kid?
Apparently, this bane of childhood still exists. The kids discovered it on the “blue” playground the other day. And loved it.
And how could they not? How can one fail to be delighted by a ball on a string that goes round-and-round?
Apparently, Kato has better ducking instincts than I did. See him in the process of not getting bonked on the head.
And much to my surprise (and slight envy) he was actually able to strike the ball.
Though there were certainly moments of defeat when his (taller, faster, stronger, etc.) sister used superior verticality (and 22-month head start) to her advantage.
But what Kato lacked in strength and size, he made up for in persistence. Long after Alden had lost interest and headed back to the slide, Kato continued to contemplate. His small (but mighty) mind churned: how to beat this thing?
He made an important discovery. If one plays tetherball alone, one cannot lose.
It was a pleasing epiphany.
As for me, August and I opted to play tetherbaby, another good game, with no rules, no getting bonked on the head, and two clear winners.
I, like you, have many traumatic tetherball memories. Same goes for volleyball, kickball, softball… Well, pretty much any activity where I was supposed to catch or hit something, it usually hit me instead. Good times…
Cathy,
I’ve always known we had something fundamental in common. I used to think it was our midwest origins. Now I know it goes deeper.
Matthew, got into your blog and enjoyed every picture of your experience in New York. It is great to see how your children are growing and experiencing life. Continued good luck with the Idiot books.
Matthew, enjoyed looking at your blog. Fun to see your pictures in New York. Nice to see how your children are growing and experiencing life.