The Reluctant Tree Planter

Peter was quintessentially himself at his tree planting this morning.  When the time came to go, I noticed that he was wearing a favorite shirt that was a size too small and had a stain on the front.  I should never have said anything, but I lost my self-control and told him he should put on another shirt.  Oops!  He protested very shriekily for a few minutes but then emerged from his room wearing the "Jai Ho" shirt he won down on Devon Avenue when they were promoting A.R. Rahman's tour.  (For those of you who don't know, "Jai Ho" is the final song in "Slumdog Millionaire", and A.R. Rahman composed the music for the movie).

As Carl and Peter and I got into the van, I could hear tell that Peter's anxiety was rising.  Sure enough, when we got to the park, he refused to get out of the car.  This time it was Carl who said, "Peter, you HAVE to get out of the car!" despite a possible backlash.  Peter did, but when the little ceremony began, he buried his head in his dad's side.  And then along came big brother Leo to save the day.  Peter immediately perked up, interrupted the head of the Park District in mid-sentence, and said, "Hey, this is my big brother Leo!"  A few seconds later, there was a quiet "I love you, Leo" ... "I love you too, Peter". 

Peter was given a gift bag with a card signed by friends, a Park District jacket which he refused to put on, a baseball and $20 to spend in India ... EAGERLY accepted!  There was also a copy of the little speech that was given at the start:

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November 22, 2010

We are here today to recognize Peter Futia for his dedication and contribution to the Skokie Park District and Skokie Youth Baseball.  Peter's enthusiasm has inspired many baseball players to play their best at Laurel Park.

The Skokie Park District is proud to honor Peter with this tree planted in his name int he Lorel Park outfield.  At a later date, a leaf plaque will also be placed on the tree wall inside the Weber Leisure Center next to the front desk.
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Leo helps Peter shovel mulch

Then it was time for Peter to shovel some mulch over the tree, a healthy-looking buckthorn that will flower and produce berries next year.  It's well-prepared for winter and I have no doubt that it will be gorgeous in the spring.  Well, no surprise, Peter didn't want to do any shoveling.  I said, "Leo!  Help him!" and Leo put his hands on the shovel next to Peter's and sure enough, Peter happily shoveled ... lots and lots.

 

Peter remembers his thank-yous



Then the mayor said a few words, and some pictures were taken (with increasing difficulty, as Peter got into one of his "No! Don't take any pictures of me! " moods).  But despite the usual Peter histrionics, Peter was very proud to be honored.  For the past few days, he's been telling everyone he met about the tree, and when we've mentioned it, he's gotten that quiet pursed-lip proud look he gets when he feels good about himself but also self-conscious.  He was thrilled that his friend Toby Welch (Skokie adoptive mom and organizer of the event) was there, as well as neighbors Jan and Keith Liscio, who along with their children have made him a part of their family.  I am sure he will be telling people in India all about it, especially with the photos I'm bringing along on my Blackberry.



Peter with friends Toby, Keith and Jan

 For me there were two truly amazing moments during this brief event.  One was the sudden appearance of Leo, who was late to work but came anyway to be there for his brother.  Peter's face lit up like the 4th of July the moment his brother arrived.  The other was a warm hug from the publicity manager from the Park District, who whispered in my ear, "We all want you to know that you are doing an amazing thing for your son ... the right thing.  Don't ever let anyone tell you different."



 Peter continued in his normal mode as I thanked the people who had organized the event and told them how much we'd enjoy visiting the new tree in the spring.  Peter interjected, "But Mom, I don't really go to the park anymore."  (That's my boy!)  And then he went over to Jan to tell her to watch the tree so that a neighborhood boy he dislikes won't uproot it and throw it away.  What a kid.  He riffed on that all the way home, too.

The weather today was warm and damp, almost like a spring day in look and feel.  This whole autumn has been glorious -- incredibly mild, incredibly sunny compared with the norm.  The skies have been brilliantly blue, the sunsets have been spectacular, and even when it's rained it's been warm.  I know I'll always remember this as "Peter's autumn".



Over the weekend, Peter got into one of his "my life is miserable" modes and said, "... and I can't even ride my BIKE because my BLOOD is SICK!"  Carl and I exchanged a quick glance and then I said, "Oh, it's OK now, Peter.  You can ride your bike if you want."  "But -- you said --"  "It's OK, you can ride it now."  One more tiny decision that wasn't premeditated, just the right thing to do.



In the middle: Carl (dad), Peter in his "Jai Ho" shirt, brother Leo dressed for work, and the Mayor of Skokie



THANK YOU, TENDER-HEARTED TOBY!