A Korean man came to our door yesterday looking for basic tools to borrow by way of explaining that he and his family were our new neighbors. We were immediately excited! After all, we'd returned from summer vacation a bit despondent over having lost two of our former neighbors to larger houses elsewhere on campus. So this man's unexpected visit, along with his news that he had two kids, a boy 7 and a girl 4, was a breath of fresh air, especially for our soon-to-be 7 year-old son. When our new neighbor returned the tools later in the day, he brought his kids with him; unfortunately, Logan was next door (the other way!) with yet another boy his age.
News of the new boy next door proved too much for our amazingly sociable Logan and so, without any introductions or prompting, after breakfast this morning he summarily mentioned that he'd be heading next door to play with the new boy, John. Things must have gone well between them since Logan was gone for awhile. And when he returned, with John now in tow, it was now his chance to share his toys and make the fun.
And that was when I realized that neither boy had a common spoken language, not even a word of one, apparently, but instead were communicating in the universal language of 6 and 7 year-old boys. Which by now meant the two had headed up to Logan's room and its huge tub of legos, had begun assembling the latest in inter-galactic weaponry, and had clearly engineered superb machines given the "boy sounds" (as Jennifer calls them) emanating from the room.
But never a word did I hear, not even a peep, just the familiar engine-like and weapon-ish sounds of our son, peppered with the less familiar but equally impressive utterances of his new friend. After a while, it was time for lunch - only how to communicate this to John? Undeterred, Logan motioned to John to follow him, which he dutifully did, taking him next door to his new home and explaining to his father that it was time for him, Logan, to have lunch, but that maybe next time John could join us. I'm guessing next time will come soon!
Thanks for reading! David
Love it! What a great story and memory to have!
ReplyDeleteDear David, Jennifer, Hayden and Logan,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to KAUST. Please know that Hayden was a joy to have with us at Interlochen. He adjusts so easily and is a great conversationalist, even when we were in the raspberry patch.
We have very fond memories of Korea. In the 50s the son of the then Finance Minister was with us at Antioch College. In Abidjan, the Ambassador gave us a beautiful tea chest, now with Julie Kimpton. In 1983, while spending a week in Korea with an International House alumna who later ran for president, I was taken by the beauty and quiet power of Korea.
May your fall go well for all four of you. Much love, Daddo/Gramps