Racer Boy

In his usual way, G wore down his grandparents today like a stage hunter in a long break-away full of lesser domestiques, before finishing solo arms raised, legs fatigued, smile full, alone in the picture.

He took them on one at a time. Divide and conquer. Feined interest in their chores, tasks and playfulness until they needed rest. He then turned to the other with the same strategy. Targeting the opponent and keeping them in the wind a little longer than himself for each rotation of the echelon. Repeating methodically until they fell off the pace; Napping, horizontal in an aged reclyner.

But then the mountains came late in the stage. Literally. He climbed me. Little hands gripping mine, little stinky feet pressed against my shins. Against my thighs, into my belly, barely stable on shoulders until finally atop my head. Over and over. "Again, Daddy, agian!"

He descended, a giggling ball of weight flopping onto the couch lacking form yet always quick to big-ring another ascent. But the scenery changed. The course profile was not as he expected. Burgers, pinball, video games and ice cream came into view over the horizon.

He approached each with the same strategy as he conquered his elders. Taking on one at a time. Divide and conquer. But the quarters ran out; his pockets were empty, energy sapped. I saw through his poker face as the finish grew near. His nodding and fighting to keep focus. Todays' would not be his to win.

Finally in the finishing straight, snuggled into the couch, for the first time since he was an infact, he fell deep asleep snoring in my arms. Midway through his favorite movie, even before his usual bedtime. Gangly, weighted limbs, any of which heavier than his whole as a tiny baby, rested against me uncomfortable, cutting off circulation to my own limbs.

He is no baby any more. He is a boy. He is boundlessly full of energy and imagination and wild adventure. As I carried him to his room, he labored his eyes open, glassy and still asleep, smiled, then closed them again. I will savor this victory.