Vicarious Rocky

And the Escort jumps up the hill here for a moment! Shit is reaching the toilet and the kid has asked for (and accomplished proudly) "drop off" at school. The mother is feeling some heart string plucks as he hops out of the car, throws his backpack on upside down and walks into the building alone. But he is un-phased. He did this for the first time yesterday and said (mind you this whole thing was his idea), "I will be scared, but I will be brave." And brave he is.

I take no credit for this and give all credit to Nigel, the neighbor boy, who is 10 and amazingly cool to my son. He represents to Indy why growing up is more awesome than scary. A reality I couldn't convey through words and one Nigel embodies with every move.

He first met Mr. Cool when we were going for a walk past Nigel's house, and I was talking to his Mom and Nigel asked if Indy and I wanted to see his Gecko in his room. So we all proceed to Nigel's room and my son was floored by all the coolness. First, he has a laundry basket collection of superballs and gave one to Indy! He has a similar sized collection of Nerf guns. He has a Gecko, three hermit grabs, and a hamster in his room. The entire house also cares for two Chinchillas, a rabbit, 3 cats, 3 dogs, and 3 fish. Yes they're hippies. Yes, it's very sanitary. In fact, I have no idea how Holly manages to keep house as she does considering the 2 kids and 17 pets, but it looks amazing.

Nigel can do skate board tricks, has a cool bike, rides a scooter. And, bless his heart, (I would have PAID him to say this to my son) he said to Indy all on his own:
N: Indy, you have to use the pedals on your bike.
I: I don't like too.
N: Well, you have to learn so you can ride a bike like Mimi and Me when you get big.
I: (speechless!)