Shaun Groves
It’s an age old question: How many five year-olds can you take on?
I thought I knew the answer: 10
I was wrong. The correct answer is 2.*
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It started out as your standard game of King of the Mountain: Old guy on top of the mountain. Six kids of both genders and all ages attempting to knock old guy off of said mountain. That’s how it started.
It ended with old guy breaking a rib and crawling to a bench where he rested for a few minutes and then whined for 24 hours (so far) every time he laughed, coughed or sneezed.
I was on all fours tickling my nephew Kase (recently six, pictured on my back above). I was laughing. I was distracted. Obviously, in hindsight, I now recognize this as part of their elaborate strategy.
Then, my son, Gresham (also recently six), my own flesh and blood, the mastermind behind the assault I’m pretty sure, speared me in the ribs with his head after a good running start.
And down the mountain I came. And retaliated with such trademark old guy moves as tickle time..
and the dreaded booty punch.
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*This statistic is the result of only one round of research conducted at Pump It Up, a non-Brant-certified non-regulation fighting space, in combat against recently six year-olds.
Biblefanmaryann says:
Oh no! I’m so sorry you broke a rib. I’ll try to keep you in my prayers.
Heh, I like your attitude about it.
Dawn~Canada says:
Sorry, but we are laughing. Many a bruise has been doled out at our place during our almost nightly wrestling matches. This mom is no match for an 8yr old, a 6yr old and a 3yr old. Or dad for that matter! They got moves I tell ya.
Adam says:
so where you giving the “booty punch” after the rib was broken?
Man you are hard core.
Grovesfan says:
My sister broke my dad’s ribs doing the same thing! They don’t say “hard-headed” kids for nutin’.
Nancy Tyler says:
A man your age…it could take months for you to heal. Months. And you will never be the same. Years from now, you’ll go to take a deep breath and there will be this little catch, and then a shot of pain. It’ll give you a startle. And you’ll clutch your chest, turn to Gresham, his own children surrounding him and watching you in horror. With a wounded, yet compassionate look in your eyes, you’ll tell the (overtold) tale of the day that Gresham got the best of Grandpa Shaun.
Steve | portable displays says:
hey Shaun,
If I had known earlier I would have warned you. I used to wrestle with my nephews, when they played “bring down Uncle Steve!” Ten is way too much! Two is safe, three maybe, and the formula calls for reducing the number as their age (and your age) increases. Now I have my own kids, and though I am older, I am also wiser…
~ Steve, aka “portable displays”
PS. Love the pics. Looks like you had a blast in spite of the injury!
Mr. Police Man says:
We met once. With Los in California. I injured my ribs at work the other day. Gave me some darvocet. Not sure how music is treating the pocket book. Maybe a Dr. could help. Let me know!