Darian(continued from pg. 13)
Those interactions continued as, with the SciQuarium and museum explored, our small band ventured into the zoo. Fascinated by the regal Peacocks and sharing the up close and personal nature of the Friendly Farm, he was again able to mingle with other kids while gently petting sheep, goats and chickens. Anxious to get to the “wild” animals, we moved on to the Meerkats, Red Pandas and Wallabies which he found curious, until we reached the Gibbons. If there are more animated creatures in the world, I can’t imagine what they would be like, as the show these guys were putting on seemed almost choreographed. Many spent their time on patrol, chasing away perceived threats to a newShar born (cutest thing ever!), racing.. . ing after a menacing Squirrel and Rabbit. Another spent the entire time we were there swinging effortlessly from branch to fence to rope and back again, this little Gibbon in particular seemed born to perform and from a few short feet away, held Darian’s rapt attention for so long that we had to promise to return, just to move on for a bit. ort eff
Darian went on about that Gibbon almost unceasFu ingly, pausing for just a few moments as we checked out the Fossa and Lemurs; that is until we reached the Tigers. It was all over from there. The emotion and expressions caused by these majestic creatures varied from fright to delight to unbridled awe on the faces of children and adults alike. Darian was not immune to their charms, his own expression changing as he discovered something new or moved to different viewing spots to take it all in. A n...
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Having begun our adventure a little behind schedule, it was now getting late and I was exhausted (hey, I’m a grandfather), so after a quick stop at the Discovery House to visit a few reptiles, we were coerced into promising Darian we would return to the Science Center to revisit his favorites and check out the many attractions we had
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yet to see. Satisfied, albeit a bit wounded at still being too young for SKYWILD, we left to the sound of Darian’s recap of the day’s Th at events. It was only cra zy after a few moGib ments of silence, bo n that his mom noticed he was peacefully sleeping in the back seat. Remembering our last visit, we returned to the Science Center for fun and a bit of exploration. Understanding that as kids grow their perceptions and the way they experience life changes, Darian’s mother and I expected perhaps a bit more understanding on his part, but we were neither prepared for the level his understanding would reach nor the inspiration he would derive from it. Kids, especially four-year-olds can have fun watching cartoons, flying a kite or simply being tickled, but the look of awe on Darian’s face and the wonder in his eyes is the stuff of which dreams and ambition are made.
Another new friend
Credit the Greensboro Science Center and their wonderful staff for understanding kids of all ages. Exhibits are presented in ways which provide increasing levels of fascination, right up to the point that teens want to (and through various programs can) volunteer at the center to gain even more insight into the world in which we live. Could they change the name to reflect more of the full experience? Maybe something like “The Totally Awesome and Inspirational Center of Science and Fun”? Perhaps, but then knowing what to expect might ruin the surprise on the faces of parents (and grandparents) as we unexpectedly watch the little ones eyes light up in wonder. In the end, little does it matter; regardless of what it’s called, Darien can’t wait to return.