The Little Things

Saturday, early afternoon…

Judah was playing with the boys across the street. Nola and Pam were at the Ice Show. The house was quiet. Then the mom from across the street showed up with her three boys along with Judah. She had the littlest one in her arms.

“Hi,” she said. “Flying solo today. I’m gonna put this one down and we’re gonna take a little break.”

“Yeah, of course,” I said. “Thanks for walking Judah back.”

“Sure, not a-”

“Dad,” interrupted Judah. “I’m going to find someone else to play with.”

“No,” I said. “I want you to come inside for a little bit. Can you say thank you for letting you play?”

“Thank you for letting me play,” said Judah.

“Of course,” said the mom. “Anytime.” Then she walked down the steps of our porch with her collection of boys as I gently shut the door.

“Judah,” I said. “You can’t say that. You can’t say you’re going to play with someone else when your friends are standing right there. It’s not nice.”

“But I want to keep playing.”

“I understand, bud. But maybe those friends want to keep playing right now, too, but their mom has other plans. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. It’s not nice, bud. It’s rude. You have to give one playdate…