Adventures With James My Grandson

Adventures With James My Grandson by Joan Donnelly 1995 He doesn't walk but runs to his subject on interest, and upon arrival, leaps into the air. With bended knees and flattened feet he lands like an athlete, and his welcoming, "Hi," cuddles my heart as I wipe away a tear Then he wraps a wee hand around my finger leading me into his realm of Adventure and joy.... with enthusiastic anticipation, though he hasn't turned two yet, my youngest son's eldest boy. He guides me to a rest area and seats me by patting his hand on an outdoor substitute for a chair. At his, "Sit, Sit,"I oblige him as he runs through rain puddles...then.. gifts me with a bouquet of dandelions and a honey-filled , "Here." Once I presented him with a learning toy, his repsonse delighted my soul, "Awh, Awh,"he uttered appreciatively while tilting his head ia sideways to and fro. One day he noticed a kitten curled up 'neath a sheltering tree Swiftly he raced toward her with an over-the-shoulder, "Come," to me. I couldn't help but chuckle when he repeated, "Come," once more. He never caught the enlightened feline but brightened my day for sure. Then he ran down the street where he sighted a wooden plank on the ground. "Bat, Bat,"rang his happy chant at the treasure he'd found. With effort he maneuvered the narrow plank over his shoulder gleefully "Ball, Ball,"he urged and I followed his searching eyes co-operatively. To my amazement, as if waiting to be found ,lay a beach ball on a grassy mound... Though I've not known baseball to be played with such. It was of balloon size and as I looked into James' sparkling eyes.. I wondered if he'd become the baseball player his Dad hoped for so much. I could see James straining to keep the awkward bat raised so with a.. "Ready, Set,"I pitched ball and prayer as James let out a sigh. The bat he forward inched as he licked his upper lip and by gosh got a hit, Then said, "Cool,"as we watched the ball fly. "Get it, Nanny,"James gave me the order and I retrieved the ball intending to extend our fun........when.....Was it my imagination or did I hear....a crowd in a filled stadium cheer at the announcer's , "Well I'll Be, Folks! Young MacMaster makes another home run !"