Walking with James

Jess: James and I take a walk almost every single day. Sometimes we take several walks in the same day. And every walk goes the same way:

Me: "James, do you want to go to the (library, park, store...)?" 

James: Runs to the door and leaves. 

M: Quickly run out the door to stop James from fleeing without socks, shoes, or sunscreen. Wrestle James back into the garage and get these things on him. 

J: Runs out of the garage, but "patiently" waits at the end of the driveway.

M: Alright, let's go to the (previously determined location)!

J: Takes three steps, then, "TRUCK!!!!"

M: "A green pickup truck, that's right!"

J: Stops to pick up a stick, then proceeds to scrape the dirt out of every crack in the sidewalk for the rest of the walk. "BUS!"

M: That's right, a school bus!"

J: Wanders off the sidewalk into the grass, discovers it is wet and then gets mildly frustrated. "TRUCK!"

M: "A concrete mixer!"

The rest of the journey goes pretty much the same. Usually, it takes us 4-5 times as long to reach our destination as it would if I was by myself. Sometimes, when we finally make it to the park, James doesn't actually want to do anything there. 

Sometimes, I get frustrated with James when we're making these excruciatingly long journeys. But most days, when I think about how fast he is growing or about how precious he is, or just how much fun I have with him, I treasure our walks. This time is short. In fact, it's almost gone. One day, James will be in a rush just like the rest of us. I hope he'll occasionally stop to think like I do--"What in the world am I rushing for? This walk is the point. It's time to enjoy it."