Just Pushing a Swing

When is pushing a swing more than just pushing a swing?  

A Ranger on patrol noticed a young boy, maybe around 5 or 6, on the playground at one of your Metro Parks.  He was playing by himself. As there were no other kids on the playground at the time.  One of his parents was there, but not engaged with him, but rather head down, eyes absorbed on the screen of the phone.

This particular Ranger decided to stop, walk out to the playground and give the boy a sticker.  We do it all the time, but this time would be different.  He was super excited about the stickers.  The boy was smart, The Ranger had stickers of 10 different animals.  The boy got  a sticker for every animal he knew.  He went 10 for 10 and got 10 stickers.  He was all smiles.  The Ranger turned to walk away and the boy stopped him in his tracks with a simple question, “Will you push me on the swing?”  The Ranger smiled, and told him he would be happy to push him in the swing.  After a few minutes of smiles and giggles, the Ranger had to resume patrol and told the little boy he had to go.  The boy hopped off the swing and stood close, looking down at his feet and said all quiet and shy-like, “Thank you.”  Before the Ranger could react, the boy reached out and pulled himself into a hug with the Ranger.  The Ranger hugged him back, tussled the boy’s hair, and said. “See you again.”  It was hard to leave.

It is easy to be distracted in this day and age.  The phone rings and beeps, letting you know you have a call, a text or an email.  You can look at Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.  You can check your schedule, or do some banking.  Heck, you can even video chat with friends and family on the other side of the country.  The whole goal of Metro Parks is to provide a place for you to come and explore the outdoors and have fun.  Don’t forget to look up from your phone and enjoy the wonders of the natural world.  Don’t forget to put the phone in your pocket and listen to the birds tweet.  Don’t forget to push the swing.