Four the First Time Again

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

Laundry Basket Pirate Ship.

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

BY JOYCE B. WILCOX

Some of you may remember a best-selling book of short essays that was written in the mid-1980s by minister and author, Robert Fulghum. It was entitled All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and explained how the world would be improved if adults adhered to the same rules as children. It sold and continues to sell gazillions of copies. That book served as the hallmark for living a balanced life. It explained that like children, adults should learn to try new things, be creative, use their imagination, and welcome each new day. In addition to doing all of that, Fulghum’s book quite possibly also reshaped my world, and I don’t mean with Legos.

Maybe I should digress a little bit and explain a few things. I originally majored in mass communications in college and wholeheartedly enjoyed working in advertising for a little over ten years. The excitement and creative accomplishment that came with my profession unfortunately had to be counterbalanced with the very demanding hours of my job. I determined that it was time to look at life differently. During those years I also married and started a family, so I realize that these were also contributing factors to my career change. It also helped

Model T

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

that my husband has always been very supportive and encouraging throughout our marriage.

Subsequently I returned to college, became an educator, and even did my student teaching in a kindergarten classroom. I was delighted to receive a copy of Fulghum’s book my first year of teaching and took it to heart. I devoted the next eight years to pre-K education, serving as director at a preschool before moving on up to teaching K-12 students at a residential facility for boys. Even in my semi-retirement a few years ago, I was an elementary paraprofessional for five years in Big Rapids. No matter where I taught, I understood that there was an incredible education to be learned from each child.

It would seem that this same philosophy rings true in retirement because apparently the latest young teacher presently in my life is my fouryear-old grandson, Jack. While I thought his visits from downstate would permit me opportunities to teach him, I soon learned that he had much more to teach me. Just like the lessons in Fulghum’s book, Jack has mastered living a balanced life. He showed me that all I really needed to know about living in Canadian Lakes I could learn from a four-year-old.

TRY NEW THINGS

Since basically everything is relatively new to a four-year-old, the concept of trying new things was inherently easier for him than it was for me. However, I soon learned that the very activities that I’d started to take for granted were considerably more fun when seen through his eyes. Introducing Jack to an open-air ride in a golf cart went from a simple cycle around the pond to an imaginary race matching Lightning McQueen’s trek around the track. A firsttime pontoon boat ride out with friends on our picturesque lakes became an odyssey in the life of this small child as he was on the lookout for fish, loons, and paddle boats. By orders of the captain, he even gleefully ducked his head while sailing under bridges so that he wouldn’t bump his noggin on the rafters.

We’ve all learned that music can soothe the soul and enrich lives. As baby boomer grandparents we’ve always shared our favorite songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s and were thrilled recently to be able to take Jack to his first classic rock concert. Not only did he love the music that afternoon in Pocket Park in Big Rapids, but he also took it to a new level with his swinging, swaying, and swirling. When we joined him dancing in the street, he was ecstatic. It’s nice to know that the Beatles are still appreciated, especially by this youngest generation. It’s also nice to know Grandma and Poppa can still move a bit to the beat.

Another opportunity of a lifetime was presented to us when we were invited to join our neighbors, Jim, and Merrelyn Brand, to ride in their Model T in the 4th of July parade through downtown Mecosta. Even though we were told the car was named Lady Gray, Jack knew instantly that he was riding in Lizzie from the movie, Cars. It was a delightful event for all as we waved and tossed candy to the myriad of parade watchers. If you’ve never experienced any of the area parades for various events or holidays, I strongly recommend it. Parades will take you back in time and also back to your happy place.

SPARK CREATIVITY

Due to multiple visits to the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum, we are now aware of the many interesting programs that

Snake petting at the library.

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

facility has to offer. Science, math, and imagination for all ages thrive in this environment. Jack was enrolled there in a pre-K art camp this summer and had the opportunity to experiment in a variety of mediums as he learned about the colors and textures in nature. This motivated us to take additional nature walks throughout Canadian Lakes. Of course, these walks also inspired more painting, coloring, and constructing art projects at our home. I know I’m biased, but I’d say he’s a budding Monet.

Between listening to Poppa rehearse for the CL Men’s Chorus and that rock concert he attended in Big Rapids, Jack’s interest and appreciation for music increased. He also began tinkling the ivories of the keyboard residing in my home office. He loves playing his pinnanno (sic) and giving his own recitals. It was all music to my ears, but then again, I’m his grandmother. We may wait a bit before we share his performances with the rest of you.

EXPLORE

Those earlier mentioned pontoon boat rides quite naturally transitioned into multiple playtimes of digging for treasure as a pirate as Jack explored the beach. I truly can’t believe I’m saying this but put down the beach read and pick up a bucket and shovel. You can always read on the porch but it’s a little difficult to build a sandcastle or hunt for treasure on the deck.

“Avast ye mateys!” On rainy days Jack also sailed a laundry basket pirate ship throughout the seas in Grandma’s living room. With the help of a large whale beach towel, a spyglass, an old map, and an eye patch, “Arrrh! I’ve found the treasure,” was heard throughout Sunset Shores.

Those same phrases were also heard coming from a pirate ship in Riverside Park in Alma as Jack navigated the seas from way up high on the play scape. Much to our delight, that same park had a darling progressive storybook path with multiple stations to stop and read the continuing story. After reading each showcased page you either followed directions for movement or answered questions. What a fun way to enjoy reading!

Adults should take note: no electronics were needed for the storybook path; just fresh air and an imagination. To take things up a notch, Jack also took turns racing Grandma or Poppa to each reading station. He’s not quite a fast reader yet, but he is a fast runner and kept us on our toes.

When you’re looking to select your next books at the Morton Township Library you need to know that this library also has some marvelous story times and fun activities for adults and children of all ages. We stumbled upon a wonderful presentation by the John Ball Zoo at that library and Jack was mesmerized for the entire exhibition. We learned a lot about different creatures that day including: the amazing color changing gecko; the differences between turtles and tortoises; and the unique world of giant cockroaches. The highlight came for Jack when he and Grandma were both able to pet a rather large snake. The highlight came for Grandma when she realized she wouldn’t have to pet a giant cockroach.

Quite by accident we discovered that you can also go exploring in your own home any evening at dusk as long as you give every detective a flashlight before turning off the lights. That’s the best time for a bear hunt. The youngest member should also have a small bag filled with a magnifying glass, binoculars, and a small notebook and pencil as he or she searches for clues. Apparently as the group sings, I’m Going on a Bear Hunt, quite magically, anywhere from 10 to 12 teddy bears can be located throughout the house.

Of course, the bears are all friendly and enjoy being counted and recounted many times. They can also be sorted by color, size, and clothing.

ENJOY THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD

You don’t have to go to the Great Wall of China or the Colosseum in Italy to

Happy Birthday Bear & Lion!

Photography by Joyce B. Wilcox

appreciate one of the wonders of the world when you can simply attend the Mecosta County Fair. Jack was enthralled with the rides, the carnival games, the livestock, and especially watching the horse events. He struck up a conversation with the seniors sitting behind us in the stands and started explaining how he used to ride a horse a long time ago when he was a little boy. As his rather lengthy story evolved it took me a while to figure out that the horse, he was referencing was the wooden rocking horse residing in my family room.

Of course, there’s nothing like an oldfashioned 4th of July picnic to entertain and to amaze folks of all ages and the CLA does an incredible job of it. Between the clown, the horse-drawn wagon ride, the playground, the outdoor picnic, attempts at cornhole, and dancing to the band, Jack had a blast. So much so that a few days later he and I packed a picnic lunch and pulled the basket in a wagon down to our gazebo on the pond in Sunset Shores. There were plenty of fish and ducks to feed as well as turtles to watch sunbathe. Not quite as fancy as the 4th, but just as much fun.

The wonders of the world don’t have to be elaborate when you’re four years old. Nor when you’re a grandparent looking through the eyes of a four-year-old. After all, if nothing else, it’s always someone’s birthday. Just ask some of Jack’s stuffed animals; we had birthday parties for several.

And remember, if you want to truly enjoy life, celebrate four the first time again!

DEFECTS ARE NEVER FUN...