New Friend

Joe has made a new friend at school, and has been on his first after-school (solo) play date. It all started when Julie was at the so-called "parent pick-up" at the final bell about three weeks ago. While she was milling about with the other parents, her friend Erica introduced her to another mother named, Anne--also known as Caden's mom, who had asked Erica if Erica knew a Joe. Erica said she knew Our Joe, Fans, and pointed to me.  That was when Anne told Julie that Joe was the sweetest boy (making an instant Anne Fan), which she'd discovered when she came upon him the day before in the hallway crying. It seems Our Hero missed the whistle signal calling in his class, and was then at a loss as to what to do, worrying that he would be in trouble. Anne gave him a hug, told him not to worry, and then took him to find his classroom. She also explained to Mrs. S what had happened.

Fans, you know, sometimes you read the front page of the newspaper and sort of despair at how we treat one another sometimes, and then you chat with Anne at parent pick-up and think how the world is filled with so many kind people.  And THEN, Anne hauled off and asked Julie if Joe might want to get together and play with Caden one day. Julie about fell over because usually, she's the one asking and the people she's asking are explaining that they are all tied up visiting relatives on both sides--like cousins thrice removed--and their best friends from second grade. (Minnesotans love for their native state and its pull on them is both impressive and frustrating.) Smd a THEN Anne hauled off and shared that Caden's transition from half-day kindergarten to full-day first grade had been a little tough. Julie liked her so much right off for being so open about the things about which all parents worry. (Julie might have made a new friend, too.)

So Julie tracked Anne down straight away and they got a play date on the calendar. A week ago Saturday they met up with the boys at the school's park. They circled cautiously for a bit, but then Caden asked Joe if he wanted to swing and that was that. By the end of the morning, they'd ridden bikes, Joe had seen Caden's house and room, and Joe had been invited over after school a day later, on Monday. (Caden lives about two blocks away from both White House and the school.)

So now, as we understand it, Caden has joined Joe and Karlis in "the watchtower" at recess. (This sounds a little creepy, right, Fans?! It's the top of the jungle gym in this turret-type tower. To them, it's like a treehouse. They just chose the creepy sounding name in their first-grade wisdom.) Apparently, they "just hang out." But Joe has already said he can't wait for winter so they can go sledding, and it seems like he's picked up another buddy to go with.