I cant remember the last time I went to a block party.
This neighborhood we have lived in for the last 6 years has always been a bit odd. People are friendly and involved sometimes and then other times, everyone acts like strangers. Part of that is based on weather but I think part of it is that we don’t have any community events or a place that draws us all together. This year however, some of the residents decided to throw a block party complete with tents, cornhole, fireworks and TONS of food.
After a few hours at the pool with Jayde and Courtney, they left and went to make cupcakes for the party. Later, we all headed over to the open field in the adjacent neighborhood and set up chairs, got drinks and hit the buffet table. Most everyone was friendly, there were little cliques of people who knew each other dotted throughout the field. Kids were running around, horseshoes clanged and the heat roasted us all.
I watched Jayde for most of the night and just observed. Its neat to do that when they dont think you are paying attention. Its so interesting to see how she handles herself in social situations. She has always gravitated to adults, which I think comes from being an only child. She played horseshoes with them, sat in their circle under the tent and socialized. Every now and then she came to visit us under the trees but for the most part, she fluttered around from place o place talking to people and snacking on food.
Growing up, our neighborhood was similar but different. There were mostly children her age and she played outside endlessly. Here, this neighborhood was empty and developing when we moved it so it was years before there was a solid base of kids in the neighborhood. By then, Jayde was in her teenage angst years and wanted nothing to do with playing outside. So tonight, it was nice to see her out – talking and making new friends, without me guiding her way and being a buffer between the unknown and the scary.
I watched a bit of the fireworks but Jayde stayed out until midnight. It felt good for me, knowing she was close to home but enjoying herself with friends. I know that comfort of close is going to rapidly change but at least for tonight, she was here.
