A GM to Remember

So over the weekend I ended up going to a BBQ hosted at the home of my wife's employer. That's where I met M.

She is the daughter of my wife's co-worker, so I already knew from pictures and stories that she was a beautiful 3 year old girl, but this was the first opportunity I'd had to meet her. I was actually looking forward to the party for that very reason. I expected to meet her, maybe chat for a few minutes, nothing more. I couldn't have known what lay in store for me.

Almost immediately after our initial encounter, she engages me in a very detailed account of her Halloween, including costume worn and candy received. She then took me by the hand and said, "Let's go play."

She led me to the trampoline in the yard, and we climbed onto it. Of course, I was careful not to bounce too hard for fear of sending her into orbit, be she seemed to be doing her best to bounce me off! This led to a game of chase, where we circled the trampoline and took turns tackling each other, throwing our arms around each other and toppling to the mat.

Soon after, another older girl, a family member of M's, joined us on the trampoline and chased M, just as we had done, while I watched. Only this time, M sought refuge from the older girl by retreating to my lap, where she took my arms and wrapped them around herself. This was apparently the 'Safe' position, and this game continued for some time, with the older girl chasing M, and M taking sanctuary in my arms.

I loved holding her like this, and I suspect she loved being held. Her small, slender body was completely enveloped by my eager arms, and her hair smelled amazing as it tickled my nose.

After a while, she was spent, and she collapsed onto me, laying on top of me, her head on my chest. I confess that this position caused a 'stirring' that I'm pretty sure she noticed. Not sure what she made of this, but she did give me a playful smile, and with a contented sigh, lay on top of me for a good 5 minutes.

After this, we played some more, on the swings, with balls, and when it was time to eat, she pulled up a chair right next to mine.

I'd love to see her again. And I probably will, at some point, as long as her mother and my wife work together. I wish I could arrange a 'play date' so we could do it again soon!