Finding alternatives from grounding - Feb 6, 10

Amy was busy tonight, so I brought Deon to my place to sleep over.  When I picked him up, Amy told me Deon was grounded from DS, TV and computer (his 3 favourite activities) due to teachers' complaint and he wasn't doing well in piano.  All he could do was read.  Deon downloaded some books to Amy's eReader to bring it with him.  Off we left.

It was not too long after we got in the car.  Deon asked if we could get a board game to play with.  Well, this sure isn't a "duh" kin.  He thought of his alternatives right-a-way other than reading.  Since I don't have any board games at home, so I said yes.  We went home first for about an hour then we headed for dinner.  When we got home, he didn't bother to bring his stuff with him to my apt.  He said he didn't want to.  Those stuff that he didn't bring it with him included the eReader.

We went to White Spot on Cambie & 12th.  White Spot is his favourite restaurant for dinner. Every time we go out for dinner, he has to have WS, no other suggestions he'd go for.  He always orders his favourite Pirate Pal from the Kids Menu.

During dinner, I asked him when he didn't bring the stuff with him to my place again.  He still said he didn't want to.  I asked him if he hided the eReader.  He said "no".  I continued and said what if someone walked by and broke the car window and stole all of his stuff including the eReader?  He looked at me with a little shock face.  I said we should hide the stuff that are valuable to us in the car so to avoid accident like this happen.  I wanted him to be more aware of the stuff he got and take care of the stuff he has, whether they are his or someone else's.  I asked him what would he do if what I said did happen when we went to get our car?  I think by then he realized the possibilities of losing the valuable stuff.  He kept saying, "can we change to another topic?"  He probably was a little worried to answer.  

When dinner arrived, he was eating very happily.  He also played with the straw from his drink.  He sticked the straw in between his teeth and asked me to pull it out.  I took a few pictures from my blackberry and captured his look.

After dinner, we went to Toy R Us and got a Sponge Bob board game.  It was more like the 飛行棋 I used to play when I was little.  This has more features.  We played a game.  Of course, Deon won.   

Oh......when we got home.  He proudly told me that he packed everything he had into his little back pack and brought it up to my place.   Cute kid.... :)

Deon wanted to see Stephen - Jan 9, 10

Amy went to Panama Cruise and won't be back until the 16th.  She forwarded her phone to my phone.  I am getting all of her calls on my phone.

On Jan 6, Stephen called Amy.  I told him she was away.  We chatted for a bit.  He said he may take Deon out for a few hours this Sunday.  He would call me to confirm.

Since Amy left, I've been having dinner with Deon on Saturdays nights.  I thought of asking him about Stephen.  Although I know he didn't remember much of his dad.  Unlike LD whom Deon has such a deep relationship with.  LD no doubt plays a big father figure in Deon's life....at least in the last couple of the years.  Deon remembers all of the times they spent together.  However, for Stephen, he is after all Deon's dad.  

During dinner, I asked Deon:

Pan: Deon, do you want to see your dad?

Deon: Yes

Pan: Do you miss him?

Deon: No

Pan: Do you miss Kai Dad?

Deon: Yes

Pan: Oh, then why do you want to see you dad if you don't miss him?

Deon: I don't know

Pan: Do you remember where are the places your dad took you before?

Deon: No (after he paused a couple of seconds)

Pan: Do you remember going to Crash Crawley's with daddy?

Deon: No, I had my birthday party there.

Pan: Do you remember going swimming with daddy?

Deon: (Deon thought of a few seconds then said)  That rings a bell.

It is funny that a kid who rarely sees his father, knows anything about his father, but wants to see his father.  I guess this is what the Chinese saying "blood is thicker than water" (血濃於水).  I guess there is always a connection between parents and their children no matter how distant they are.

Deon, you have been getting the best that your mommy can provide and nurture you.  Although your father didn't play an important role in your life, I am sure you sure you thank your father (not just your mother) to bring you to this world.