Today we took the boys to the playground. That's not exactly groundbreaking news. However, what happened while we were there was unpleasant, to say the least.
When we arrived at our usual playground, there was already someone there with their kids. They were from out of town, Florida to be exact. The kids were all on the playground, which is around 100 yards from where you park your car.
The Dad was standing next to his car smoking a cigarette.
When we walked the boys to the playground, the problems immediately began. There were three kids on the playground when we arrived, all belonging to man with the cigarette.
It was like they were heat seeking missiles, all targeting Gavin. The oldest of the three kids said he was 12 years old but didn't look it. He was the ring leader and the one that started it all. He began making fun of Gavin, calling him names and poking fun at the fact that he was different.
I should also say that we actually let Gavin play on the playground for the first time in a very long time. His cardiologist cleared him, at least as far as his heart rate is concerned. We still need to be very careful.
This kid was challenging Gavin to run this obstacle course on the playground because he knew that he could beat Gavin.
Lizze and I encouraged Gavin to do something else because we knew what this kid was doing. However, Gavin didn't have a clue and if we made a scene, we'd have to explain to him what was going on. I for one, didn't want to have to explain to Gavin what was happening.
We eventually got Gavin distracted but this kid just wouldn't shut up.
Even though Gavin didn't know what was going on, we did and I had to exercise a great deal of self-control in order not to say something and make this kid shut up.
What was even more disturbing is that their father was now passed out in the car, not paying any attention to what his little minions were doing.
Lizze and I let the boys have their fun before pulling the plug and moving on with our day. We didn't want to let this kid ruin that for them. We kept Gavin away until we finally left.
This is exactly the kind of thing that I'm working to address. Unfortunately, between kids being kids and parents not caring, it's an uphill battle. I just get so frustrated when we are face to face with this type of ignorance and cruelty.
