A new perspective
June 22, 2026
Hello Friend!
So this summer my grandson Logan has experienced the joy of a jungle gym. I consider the building of a play structure in the backyard something of a parental rite of passage. Jon and I did this for the girls when they were in elementary school, but it was a much simpler affair. Two swings and a slide, and the whole thing had an uncomfortable habit of bumping up off the ground if they got too enthusiastic with the swings. But they loved it.
Anyway, Logan's dad spent several days slogging through 100 pages of installation instructions to construct the most amazing jungle gym, much to the absolute delight of my grandson.
"Gramma, gramma, it has two swings and three slides!" Honestly I think the kid could swing all day now that he's mastered the art of pumping. And except for the much disliked process of applying sunscreen, it's a really wonderful way to spend an hour or two in the fresh air.
The first time I came to see his new favorite adventure, Logan gave me the full tour. I ooohed and ahhhhed and clapped enthusiastically as he demonstrated the slides and showed me just how high he could swing. I was having great fun until... "C'mon gramma, come up and see how high this is! My dad did it, you can too!".
Oh geeze. The challenge was set, and somehow I had to get up and through to a tiny crow's nest space that was actually built for very small people with perfectly working knees. But the little person I love believed in me, and WANTED me up there. I had to try.
You know that scene in Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas", where the Grinch gets stuck in the chimney for a moment? That was me. Somehow as I maneuvered myself up, my arms and legs were twisted just enough for me to feel uncomfortably wedged, and I wondered if I could actually get through this teeny ladder space.
But there was Logan watching, cheering me on. And so somehow, I did it!
When I'd finally managed to squish my way into the top level, Logan gave a contented sigh. For a few wonderful seconds we sat there in silence, shoulder to shoulder, gazing out over the amazing view. We could see OVER the fence, to the house across the street that kept horses, and we had a great look at the trampoline that lived in the yard next door. Logan loved being as high as the trees!
I, for one, would have been happy to enjoy the new perspective for a while. But no. Logan was ready to wiggle back down and move on to the next bit of fun. Oh boy.
I have to admit, I breathed a little sigh of relief when both feet hit the grass. But I had done it! And having that new, higher perspective had been a lovely thing. Every once in a while it's good to move out of your comfort zone and do something that gives you a new view, even if it's a little scary.
Thank you Logan!
