"I Can Climb HALF the Tree"

Speaking to me as they released their seat belts to open the truck doors,  says preschooler Alayna, "You're not like Dad."

First grader Jayden concurs, "You're not like Mom."

Alayna states, "You're a nice grandma."

And Jayden adds, "You're the best GrammyPam."

When we got to my house, they stripped jackets, shoes & socks, then inspected the Christmas village while standing on footstools to get a good look.  Jayden points out that Santa in the Christmas train on the toy shelf doesn't have any feet, and Alayna drags the doll in a white fur trimmed red cape by its hat's cotton knob.  

A bit later, Jayden asks, "Can I go outside?  I wanna climb the tree.   Climb to the top."

I answered, "I don't think so.  You should wait until an adult goes out there with you."

As I looked at this slight kid, I wondered about his knowledge, "Do you know what an adult is?  It's someone like me, grandpa, or your mom or dad, or even Aunt Mary Ann."

Grandpa John, low-pitched and quiet, succinctly inserts, "A grown-up."

A child Jayden's age can lawyer personify.  Any point can be argued in their favor,  "I can climb half the tree.  The first branch.  You know, right there."  And he points to the bole.

I continued, "Okay, but you know we're not there to help you, we want to finish up here at the table first.  I want you to understand what we're saying that there wouldn't be anyone there if you fall....maybe get a concussion, or go into a coma...to call 911.  That's why I'm saying these things."

Grandpa John, low-pitched and quiet, succinctly, inserts, "Black out."

They disappear, putting on the mismatched socks they came with, then don shoes and jackets.  Door jangles open, the bells attached to the handle swing as they burst forth.  Alayna runs to the tree swing, and Jayden disappears out of sight. 

It wasn't but seconds later the boy comes back.  He's dressed in oversized black leather jacket that emphasizes his smallness and youth.  It doesn't help that it's streaked with white dirt.

Jayden, unhappy with the turn of events, defeatedly says, "I couldn't do it."

He demonstrates with his cowboy boot how it doesn't gain traction on my kitchen wall.   He concludes the whole thing, "It's a slippery challenge."