Progress, not Perfection

The other week Teddy and I went for a run together. Given that we live on a cul de sac road that heads into a busy highway, our runs always involve driving to another neighborhood to run. This time we parked at a local elementary school, the one where Teddy spent his Early Childhood year when he was a mere 3 years old. That was the year we went from both kids home to both kids in school, at just 3 and 4 (and then 5 since AJ had his birthday right after school started). 

That was right after Teddy had learned how to walk, so he was only taking a few tentative steps. He spent most of his time crawling, or actually bunny hopping, to get around. When his class went anywhere, he rode in a wagon every single time because he couldn't walk more than a few steps without falling. AJ would get so excited if he spotted Teddy's class, so he'd always wave and call out, "Hi Teddy!" I know that AJ was only in 4K, but it gave me so much comfort to have them riding the bus together and to know AJ was at the same school to look out for Teddy. 

Partners in play, running the streets and the playgrounds.

Back to present time, we decided to take advantage of the empty playground at the school near the end of our run. Teddy was so excited to be able to play, and he had to check out everything. The first thing he did was a rope bridge that was probably 10 feet across. I encouraged him to hold onto the sides, and he made it 3/4 of the way before he stumbled and fell. I asked him what he was going to do, and he used the ropes to pull himself back upright and finished the bridge. 

For most kids, a rope bridge is nothing noteworthy. But, I was so proud of him because he's come so far. The last time he played on that playground, he couldn't do anything without assistance. Now, he could do just about everything, except for monkey bars and the like, which are understandably tough. It was no big deal for him, just another wonderful playground to explore. For me, though, it gave me the chance to pause and reflect on all the progress he's made with a truly grateful heart.