Now when we head out for skating lessons on the weekends, as much as I am happy to have him learn to skate (he'll need to know how if he's to become an NHLer), I also look forward to the journey there and back, when he and I imagine up all sorts of adventures for ourselves; I look forward to the conversations we have on the train and hear about his school week; I look forward to learning all about my son and becoming better friends with him.
More information
If you are on the hunt for an ice rink in the South West London area check out the Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre
http://www.better.org.uk/leisure/streatham-ice-and-leisure-centre
Parenthood
When the lesson was over we shared a donut over a coffee and a juice. We talked about lots of things, and laughed and told jokes. And I quickly realized that my Saturday mornings were not so much about the activity on the ice; I remembered that the reason I wanted to do the skating lessons in the first place was to bond with Chris and this kind of thing - an impromptu coffee break - was perfect for bonding.