Part IV. Beckett. I Know You Love Me.
Fairly recently, the Lindners had a family friend over on the patio for some socially distant cocktails and thai take out. The friends had brought their new puppy who dashed from corner to corner as Beckett, Jolene’s four year old son, chased her in circles trying to “catch” her all the while yelling, “I know you love me!”
Beckett loves to be chased. No phrase is uttered to me more than, “Get me, Sam! Sam, get me!” as he beckons to be chased and his excitement bubbles over into nervous giggles. There’s something undeniably irresistible about the look on his face as he flashes a mischievous smile looking up through his long eyelashes while keeping his chin coyly tilted down.
As I watched Beckett chase the puppy around declaring her irrefutable love for him, I was suddenly struck with images of this identical re-enactment at the school playard... Oh god, good luck Jolene!
Like Jolene, Beckett is the life of the party. He talks loudly and laughs even louder. And if you don’t listen to what he is saying, he will shout until he has your undivided attention. What’s he always talking about? Here’s the transcript of what was a very short interview for this post:
Sam: What do you think about your mom?
Beckett: “I was thinking I had a big hole in my pj’s so my mom is going to give me new ones!”
Sam: “Oh, okay that’s good. How about what is your favorite thing about your mom?
Beckett: “For my birthday, I want a speed boat, you can drive it on water and it has a jeep with a trailer!”
Sam: “I see. Okay Beckett let’s try one more way, what is something you like about your mom?”
Beckett: “She picks me up from school—YOU HAVE TO TAKE NAPS AT SCHOOL!”
If it wasn’t an eyesore, I would write all of Beckett’s responses in all caps because Beckett talks with every ounce of his being, exclamation points and eyes wide open! You can see his chest rise and fall as he takes big gulps of breath to keep up with his own stories. Beckett’s passion for monster trucks, basketball, and asking “Is Sam home?” are just some of the reasons I adore him.
Beckett is also Jolene’s little helper. He likes to wash windows with a whole bottle of.windex and can often be found peering out her office window, hoping to chat with whatever audience he can summon to hear his latest musings. (Today was flying fish, HAVE-YOU-SEEN-ONE-SAM!?). It is not uncommon to hear him calling out, “Emma!” (Emma is the Neighbor Nextdoor) excited to tell her about pincher bugs and airplanes and grandma’s pool. On more than one occasion, Beckett has played “Tim The Toolman” for Emma, helping her build an outdoor shed or plant new flowers. Beckett, the Scott Street Handyman.
Truth be told, the sounds of Beckett’s little footsteps down the stairs followed by his little nose pressed up against my french door is the highlight of my day. I think the feeling is mutual. I came home the other day and there was a single flower sitting on my coffee table, a secret admirer? I texted Jolene to confirm. While she had no knowledge of the gift, she did say she saw him sneaking out the door when she turned her back. She scolded him, “Beckett did you just go in Sam’s house?” to which he attempted denial, covering up his tracks by quietly closing the door behind him, “no....” Guilty as charged. Beckett, I know you love me!
Well, that’s the Neighbors Upstairs. Beckett, Ava, Tony and Jolene. Jubilant, kind, supportive and fun. It’s a solid foundation right down to the studs, (Tony and Beckett included). Like Beckett, we hope you’ve caught feelings too, drawn to the contagious energy at Scott Street and all that emanates from it. We’ll be back with more stories, more projects and more inspiration, all in the hopes of wooing you. After all, who doesn’t like the chase?
xo,
Sam, The Neighbor Downstairs
P.S.
I did ask Beckett one last time before we parted what he loves about his mom. He finally answered me straight, “She tries to catch me.”