When I’m exploring I like to go-go-go! but that’s not always going to be the case while being a father. Several months ago we visited the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs on Dodecanese Avenue.
I wanted to show off his unique spot to Valarie–the sponge boats, art work, cafes. Yet, sometimes the vision of what I want my adventure to be and what actually happens are two different things.
We were strolling along the street and Max would not keep up, not because he couldn’t, but because he kept taking side trips to splash in puddles or to look at mushed pieces of bubblegum on the sidewalk. I waited patiently as I could, even though I was itching to go. I began prodding him along, “Come on, buddy come on…”
But the kid wouldn’t listen! he kept taking his sweet time to squeal and point and poke at things. Come on, dude, let’s get moving. There are things to see and things to do!
After more prodding, Valarie came next to me and said, “Whenever I make Max a bottle of milk he always tries to stick his fingers in the milky foam before I get the cap on. I used to stop him all the time, but then realized he was simply being curious. He wanted to know what the foam felt like. I mean, whenever you go anywhere you have to explore everything in sight. he’s just following in your footsteps. So, whenever I’m able, I let him follow his curiosity.
Max found another puddle, touched it with his hand, and then moved on to the next attraction while giggling.
“Okay,” I said. “I suppose you’re right.”
I watched Max play, explore and laugh. Made me laugh too.
And know what? In the end it didn’t take anything away from the experience. We still saw the art work in the streets, smelled the food, heard the Greek language and talked to the people. We just did it at a different pace and sometimes that is okay.
