Ian has never learned how to run. He is 11 years old and has never quite gotten the knack of putting one foot in front of the other and pumping his arms at the same time. Uncle Ryan has always nicknamed him, "Crazy Legs Ian". I just always hold my breath and hope Ian doesn't topple over as he's moving down the sidewalk.
Ian has also always gotten extremely tired during our family walks around the block. When he was 8, he still wanted to ride in the stroller, when he was 9, he wanted a piggy back ride when we reached the end of the street. Aaron and I have always been more than a little concerned. How do you TEACH a child to run?
Soccer season began a couple of weeks ago. Ian has never been able to play forward because he just CAN'T or WON'T run. He asks before every game though, "Dad will you put me in as forward?"
"Well, Ian, you have to run a lot and run fast to be a forward."
Last night Ian got his wish. He played forward. And what do you know? For the first time in 11 years, I saw my boy run --- and run fast! His arms were apumpin', his legs were in sync . . . he was sprinting down the field, as fast as the other guys!
Aaron actually had tears in his eyes after the game. "Did you see it? Did you see Ian run?! My boy ran!"
It's the little things . . .
5 comments:
A couple of weeks ago at the ward picnic, I pitched softballs to him after we ate. He ran the bases every time. In fact, once he got greedy and tried to steal home and I had to chase him down! I thought he actually was rather quick! He would have made it if I weren't doing my 5K everyday! :)
The little things indeed!! I almost got teary. And I have a UN-runner right now in my 8 yr old so you've given me hope.
That is the sweetest thing ever!
I'm so proud!
Proud Papa Aaron is.
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