Meltdown

I must say that this portion of my studying allows me to write articles more frequently. For those of you who care, my studying is going well and I should be able to write my exam within a couple of weeks of going home.

I have titled today's article “Meltdown” because that is exactly what we witnessed happen yesterday evening. After a wonderful day, we realised that our little boy is only normal and there are going to be times when being isolated for so long from other little people is eventually going to have its effects on Parker.

Last night, just prior to going to bed, Parker had a visit from his little Irish friends. It is normal for either they to come knocking on our door or Parker on theirs before bedtime, so that the saying of good night may be exchanged.

Parker had a blast when the girls came to visit him just after seven last evening and was more than happy to show them his Pinocchio so that daddy could explain to them that he too had one just like his when he was Parker's age. He even tried to give his girl friend the necklace that he and his Nonna had made together when she was there last month.

Then, it was decided that Parker along with mommy and daddy would walk the girls and their mother home. We arrived at their door only a few moments after leaving ours and Parker began to wave bye bye to them from their doorway. Kisses were blown in both directions and then Parker proceeded to run down the hallway as he regularly enjoys doing. Only this time, the two little girls came out running after him.

Parker stopped about 30 feet from their door then turned around to see the girls running right toward him yelling, “Parker, Parker!” He did not respond. Then as quickly as they ran up to him they ran by him and proceeded to turn the corner on their way to the elevators. Parker timidly followed them, making sure to keep his distance and remain only an arm length from his mommy.

Then, when Parker reached the adjacent hallway, he was once again greeted by the two girls who continued to yell his name, as they invited him to play in their little game. Again, the girls turned around and continued to run down the hallway towards the elevators. By now, Parker was standing beside his mommy, grasping her leg tightly with his left arm with his head pressed against her knee. “Go see your friends”, she said. Parker did not budge.

Mommy then picked up Parker and walked with him down to where the elevators were. By now, the little girls were running down the next hallway, still yelling his name. Mommy put Parker down on the floor thinking that he would run after the little girls who were still calling him.

But her did not. Instead my son broke down into tears as he turned to his mommy and grasped both of her legs tightly with his arms.

Now, please remember we do not normally hear Parker cry. Well mannered and very brave is how I would describe him. To be honest, I never have heard him really cry before. Yes, when he gets a battery of needles he fights and yells but nothing like we heard last night.

When mommy picked Parker up he continued to cry for a while until he realised his request had been granted and was in the safety of his mother's arms. Was he afraid of the little girls who were running around him and yelling his name? Was it that he was tired? Was it that he was not used to interacting with children his own age, or was it a combination of the three? Regardless, mommy made his tears go away..

Today was better. Parker went over to his friends' house first thing this morning to say hello and blow them kisses. A few hours later, we all watched “The Backyardigans” together. Parker laughed and danced with his friends during the many songs that play through each episode. Yes, Parker was a little timid during the dancing as he made sure to only dance while sitting on my lap or standing in front of me while holding my leg. However, everyone once again seemed happy.