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It is March 2022 and time for the
Every single day, for all thirty-one days of March,
writers will share stories.
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of teacher-writers!
My three year old granddaughter "Frog" and I are on a neighborhood walk, and we stop to visit a nearby garden. Frog suggests a game of hide-n-seek - and the suggestion alone makes me smile.
Usually, I am not game to play hide-n-seek. I find it anxiety-provoking; I fear losing a child. It's one of those weird things that has haunted me for years as an early childhood teacher - the terrifying possibility I will have to explain to a family that I can't find their child. Yes, I know, this fear is exaggerated, misplaced, ridiculous, but isn't this the work of fear?
However, today's particular game of hide-n-seek, just Frog and I, is different. My goodness, what an absolutely delightful idea!
There's simply no place to hide or be lost in this little garden. It is created in a very small island at the intersection of two quiet streets in my neighborhood. Let me share a photo of the whole place, to give you a little perspective:
As you can see, there's no place to go. At this time of year, especially, there is no place to hide - all the plants are wintering below in the still cold ground. I can see everything clearly, everywhere, all around.
Hide-n-seek? How will we do this? What does Frog have in mind? How can I not laugh out loud at the possibility of this game?
Let me share the details of how to play hide-n-seek with a three year old magical thinker.
This is what it sounds like:
(Frog's narration)
Let's play hide and seek in the forest!
Can you find me?
What do you see, Nana?
Do you see
red pants
brown hair
pink shoes?
Who could it be?
Now, a new place.
Nana, can you find me?
Where do you think I could be hiding?
How about now?
Just one more place, Nana.
Can you find me now?
This is what it looks like:
(Frog's hiding places)
This is what it feels like:
(Nana's perspective)
soft
healing
love
Just one more place, Nana.
Can you find me now?
I will always find you, dear one.
Always.
Oh I LOVE these Maureen. My son is almost 3 now and he always wants to play hide and seek under a pillow on the couch! LOL it's so hard not to laugh when he says come find me! Your pictures remind me of his sweet innocence. Looks like such a fun day.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was truly a precious experience.
DeleteMaureen, Im smiling from ear to ear. This is so delightful. Im sure you pretended not to see “Frog.” Im envisioning the hunt. Precious. 🥰
ReplyDeleteI recall some times playing this game. It can be a cruel game when children play it as a way to taunt a child they wish to escape, and as you say, it can be scary.
Thanks, Glenda! It was so much fun, absolutely delightful to have her 'hide' like this.
DeleteOh, Maureen, how wonderfully precious. I so love the hiding pictures, and for perspective the whole little garden. And your response...lovely, leaving me with all the warm feels. It is good to be back, reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise! I have the warm feels, always, when I am around the grandchildren.
Delete