Patrick's Playful Day with Mitchell

The playground at Shepherds Daycare stretched out under the afternoon sun, its colorful equipment gleaming. Patrick, a board member of the daycare, had stopped by for an informal visit, his crisp button-down shirt a contrast to the playful environment.

Mitchell spotted Patrick and immediately ran toward him, his small legs carrying him with surprising speed. “Up!” he demanded, reaching his arms up.

Patrick laughed, scooping Mitchell up and carrying him to the swings. “Let’s go for a ride,” he said, carefully placing Mitchell in the toddler swing.

With gentle pushes, Patrick sent Mitchell soaring. The little boy’s giggles echoed across the playground, his joy infectious. Back and forth they went, Mitchell’s excitement growing with each swing.

“More!” Mitchell shouted, his small hands gripping the swing’s chains.

After several minutes of swinging, Patrick suggested a game. “Want to play hide and seek?”

Mitchell’s eyes lit up. Patrick showed him the basic rules - covering his eyes and counting while Mitchell found a hiding spot. The board member made sure to “search” in obvious places, letting Mitchell’s excitement build with each near-discovery.

“Where are you?” Patrick called, walking dramatically past Mitchell’s hiding spot behind a playground structure.

Mitchell could barely contain his giggles, pressing himself against the colorful plastic, thrilled by the game.

When Patrick finally “found” him, Mitchell erupted in peals of laughter, jumping up to give an impromptu hug.

It was more than just playtime. It was a moment of connection - a board member seeing firsthand the joy and care that defined Shepherds Daycare.