James never clicked with cricket. But he loves football. Loves football.
November 23, 2021
As
I write this, James has one more day as a young man in a single digit.
From tomorrow he is going to be in double digits. It's a significant
development in anyone's life. And my youngest son has reached it.
COVID has had a huge impact on all school kids, James is no exception. He can be very grateful that the school he attends now has a firm grip in the online schooling environment. In fact parental involvement was actively discouraged during that period. What I found most interesting was how the kids had started developing an online relationship that almost replaced the physical that is so vital to kids of that age. They would play games like Roblox and Blox and sox and Fonzie and whatever else for hours. That virtual companionship remains where James will be called at dinner time to go and play with his mates. This is somewhat concerning in the world that we all grew up in, but might not be for the kids of James' generation. In spite of this he got back to school and rekindled his face to face relationships and remains an incredibly popular kid. He had his birthday party this last weekend (which doubled as a piss-up for his parents' friends, as these parties do) and they had a wild time running around in a forest.
This is the world as we know it. COVID has changed everything for everyone. For most South African school kids it has become an unfortunate stumbling block. We haven't seen the negative effects in James and I'm hoping that we don't. The school has re-introduced sport and James is playing all the sports and deciding which one he likes – hockey is out thus far. He's a good swimmer and is showing great potential as a cricketer. He's not phased about which team he plays for. He plays because he's with his mates. He also doesn't mind calling the shots from the goal mouth as a soccer goalie.
We
are at last allowed to go onto the school to watch the games. There
certainly was a practice where parents would watch from the fence. You
can't keep parents away from these things. The best times of my life
have been watching my children playing sport. I didn't to watch Oliver
play a single match this year but I did catch a few of James' games. I
feel for the coaches because there is very little discipline in the
field. I think they would have done their jobs if the ball leaves a
child's hand. James has got that part right and could become a really
decent fast bowler.
James has grown substantially. He reads voraciously. Hasn't quite substituted a kindle for a TV game yet, but hopefully the kindle time will increase. In spite of this physical and emotional growth, he's still a child at heart who lives within his very vivid and colourful imagination. He loves dinosaurs and will tell anyone who cares to listen about them. He loves his games and he loves his friends. He rightfully calls himself the best artist and architect in the house. This creativity has now extended to animation.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention his under-the-breath speech that is demonstrated when he is being chastised (which is often). He's a master of that technique, perhaps he doesn't want us to hear the very colourful language that is often inaudible. I can't be sure where he learned all that. It's all part of the child that we love and cherish. He's not the best morning person. But that passes quickly. He loves the motorbike and relishes every opportunity to go to school on the bike. I think he likes to show off in front of his mates who think he's very cool.
Happy double figures my wonderful youngest son. It's grade four next year with a number of new challenges. The school days will be longer and the work a little harder but your foundation is good and you are very loved by everyone in this house, and that includes your older brother. You have your friends and a large number of kids who all regard you as a close friend. You've got that knack of making friends easily. Children around you want to be your friend. And I am so glad you are my son.
James Phillips
11 - James Phillips - Fun's Not Over
James Phillips remains a South African musical icon. They should make his music part of the history syllabus in every school in the country. I could make my James the Phillips ambassador.
Eddie Izzard
No James connection, other than this little tale he tells about James Bond. Up there with Mr Stephens/Stevens.
Happiest of years my wonderful and brilliant youngest son.
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