Today I gained a new appreciation for our home entertainment, gaming system. The very same gaming system I dream of somehow finding its way under the tires of the family van & meeting with an unfortunate, untimely end. Today instead of seeing my awkward, moody, 13 year old self proclaimed king of Anger issues, I saw a warm, friendly, accepting young man seem to appear out of no-where. Having spent years fighting the Time for a Haircut battle, it always comes as a surprise when my son actually ASKS to go for a haircut. Turns out the poor fella has actually been cursed/blessed (that is debatable) with the same wavy, thick mane his sisters & I sport (thanks a lot Grandma Iris!). It was until recently a battle to drag him off for a trim. The trick it seems would have been reverse psychology but now my comments are very sincere, I LOVE his cute little waves and flips! I guess that is not what a 13 year boy wants to hear coming from his mother, so haircuts are becoming more & more of an event in his life. While sitting and waiting to be called back for his trim earlier today, Markus met a young man named Kevin. I dont know Kevins story and did not feel it my place to ask. The two struck up a very animated conversation about gaming when Kevin noticed Markus Black Ops shirt. The two talked for several minutes and then Markus asked if Kevin had an account which would enable them to play together. Kevins father was so excited to hear that! The man practically flew out of his seat in search of a pen and paper. He helped the two boys exchange gamer tags and told us that it would be so wonderful for Kevin to have someone to play with, it seems he spends most of his time at home and doesnt have many friends. Gaming is the thing that he connects with above all else. Kevin we learned is 25 and I would say it is pretty unlikely he will ever live on his own. Markus did not miss a beat, the gaming connection was the spark that ignited what could well be a long friendship. While Kevin was back getting his hair cut we continued our conversation with his father. The man was shocked, as are most, to learn that Markus is only 13. Naturally the inevitable Do you play sports? was the next question. Markus told him at one time he had played baseball & soccer for a short while. Like so many others, Kevins father had to ask, What about football or basketball? I guess when you are a 13 year old boy who is 61 and built like a linebacker most just assume you to be a jock. Once again without missing a beat Markus answered, Nah, I cant play those because of my pacemaker , it still surprises me to see the reaction most people have to hearing that from a child, 2 others within earshot literally turned around and stared at him. Markus took the time to explain that he had been born with a heart defect and it was in fact the surgery to repair the defect which caused the need for the pacemaker. This is all he has ever known, so it is no big deal to him and he is quite comfortable talking about it, its just how it is. When we climbed back into the van to head off to our next destination my 7 year old asked a question about Kevin and wondered why he still lived at home. I wasnt sure Markus grasped Kevins situation entirely but he surprised me by answering, I dont know why Kevin is the way he is. Maybe he was just born that way or maybe he was in an accident. I really like him, hes a nice guy. Markus was anxious to get home to friend Kevin and get to gaming with him. I have to admit I worried what Markus friends would think of Kevin (they arent always so nice) and how I would handle it if things did not go well. Seems I had no reason to worry. The boys have been playing together for a while now & several of Markus friends have even added Kevin as their own friend. I have never heard Markus so positive and full of compliments while gaming, its usually 13 year old trash talk, put downs and the occasional temper tantrum. Tonight is very different, lots of, Hey great job! Youre really good at this and, See guys, I told you Kevin is a nice guy! Im not sure I could be any prouder of that boy of mine. X-Box, youre safe for the time being..........
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 23:59:20 +0000
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