Gabe's new best friend

In the past few weeks, Gabe has made a friend at the playground.   One day he saw a kid with a Ben 10 watch, similar to his, and they were fast friends ever since.    His name is Amir, and he’s a little older (five years old).    He’s Polish and speaks with a reasonably heavy accent, and I think for that reason that the other kids pick on him a bit.    But he’s very friendly, energetic and upbeat.   And he’s a good friend.   Gabe and I tend to go to the playground at times slightly off from the peak periods, so we’ve managed to catch Amir more often than not.   He specifically comes during the slow times, in order to avoid the bullies.   Amir is very gentle with his younger friend, and I think that Gabe appreciates hanging out with an older kid.   Sometimes the other kids make fun of Amir for having such a young friend (“You play with a baby!”), but he sticks with Gabey anyway.   He’s very loyal.

Now that Gabey is starting pre-school, I’m not sure how much we’re going to see of Amir.   But I hope we’re able to work it out.   Gabe and him have had a lot of fun together.    I’ve appreciated the break when we’re at the playground (much easier to watch two kids playing together, than one alone).    And Gabey often asks about his “best friend” when we’re home together.