Conquering Bridges

When Loudoun was about 4 years old, we used to go to this park in Santa Monica. The play structure had a set of steps, which led to a large bridge, which opened up to all the rings, platforms, puzzle boards, tunnels and slides. You know, the FUN part of the playground. But the bridge, was terrifying to Loudoun. I admit, to someone who didn't understand, this bridge looked frightening. The floor of the bridge was made out of chain link wrapped in plastic coating, in a tic-tac-toe pattern. Of course as an adult, I could see that any kid with shoes on and a foot bigger than a size 3 would not slip through the holes. But to a scared, timid 4 year old, this bridge posed a huge threat. Even the railings were placed high for a youngster to grab onto, and don't even get me started on all of the 6, 7 and 8 year olds who would go flying by my shaking, almost tearful toddler. Every visit to that structure, Loudoun would scramble up the first set of stairs and then freeze at the beginning of the bridge, hoping for an ounce of bravery to come over him, just so he could go down the slide on the other side.

As his mom, I encouraged from his side and from the ground. I tried placing my hands under his feet to show him he was safe. But this was something he would have to acheive on his own. So, weeks and months went by. The original excitement of arriving at the park always turning into disappointment from having to turn around and go back down the steps.

And then one day, like I knew it would, he found the bravery. And he cheered himself on as he strutted across the terrifying bridge. He did it 8 times in a row, each time shouting, "Mom, look at me! I'm doing it!" I couldn't have been more proud. He was young, I know. But I so badly wanted that accomplishment for him, and he earned it all on his own.

My point?

Now look at my kid.

He climbs all over the outside of the structures. He hangs upside down. He goes down things no-handed and chases his friends up and down and all around. I watch, biting my nails, holding my breath, praying for no broken bones, and yet so proud of my little boy who is growing up way too fast.