Friday, December 11, 2009

Anatomy of a Guy Friendship


Last week, after school, HRH caught sight of some kids playing ball and decided to join them. I was pleased as HRH has recently given up most forms of outdoor play, preferring Legos, TV, Wii, Homework, pretty much anything to outdoor exercise. I was also pleased because he insinuated himself into a group in which he knew no one and just waited his turn until it became clear he was indeed included.

The game proceeded for the better part of an hour while I chatted pleasantly with some other mommies over by the play structure. Suddenly, a loud scream rent the air and we all turned to see the victim. It was HRH, running toward me, crying, clutching his crotch! Oh...crap.

As we sat, me cradling HRH, him cradling his package, we managed to piece together what had transpired:

Another boy had been 'fake punching' HRH to make him flinch, then calling him a scardy cat (aside: strange word to spell, funnier that kids still use it). HRH in turn pulled a fist up to the the bully's face and told him he'd "show him scared". I'm actually perfectly okay with HRH's actions and truthfully quite proud of him for standing up for himself in the face of an older (2nd grade) kid. Unfortunately, the kid wasn't as impressed and instead kicked HRH squarely between the legs!

We were able to identify which child and his appropriately horrified mother dragged him away for some serious talking-to. After everyone had calmed down, the mother brought her little hooligan son to HRH to offer an apology. The boy seemed genuinely contrite and HRH accepted graciously.

Since that day, he and HRH have been seeking each other out to play; ball, tag, whatever. His name is Gabe.

And I'm pretty sure he's going to be an usher at HRH's wedding.

9 comments:

anya said...

Love that last sentence because it is more than likely true!

I wish girls were more like that sometimes - a kick between the legs and everyone can move on!

Otter Thomas said...

I am glad the mother was horrified. I hear too many stories where parents let their kids do anything to other kids.

natasha the exile on Mom Street said...

I.Do.Not.Get.Boys.

But I must say, I love 'em!

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Guys are weird. Even at a young age, but you are right, he will probably be in H's wedding.

Jennifer S said...

Boys, they get that stuff out of the way and just move one. So funny. Except for the excruciating pain (ow!), of course. Poor fella.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

You're a "boy mom" that's for sure. Me too--well, except for the two girls.

Jason, as himself said...

Mmmmmkay. If this had happened to me it would have taken me YEARS to overcome the trauma and forgive and forget. As I type this I am absentmindedly cradling my boys, grateful that they haven't been kicked for a very, very long time. It's a blessing, really. There is no worse pain for a guy.

anymommy said...

How awesome would that be if you called their life long friendship now.

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

Well, that's incredible. Do you live in Utopia or something? I never hear about these things ending well. Or bully's parents taking some responsibility. On the other hand, I guess if a parent does care enough to help resolve it and admit that maybe their angel was at least partially responsible, then the outcome makes sense. Because the other type of parent who says, "My child would NEVER...", then that kid will continue to act like a spoiled brat for the rest of his life. Thank God there are still some decent people on this planet.

 

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