Today we were sitting around the table eating pizza for lunch when Sam looked over at the TV, pointed with enthusiasm, and crooned "Look at Justin!" We all turned to see the screensaver scrolling numerous pictures but one specifically of Justin running up the snowy driveway holding the mail and wearing nothing but shoes and underpants. We all smiled and giggled at this, except Justin who instead slumped his shoulders and pursed his lips.
If you share any of my parenting instincts you see opportunities for life lessons everywhere. This one started a couple years ago the winter day Bird and I suggested to Justin that he run out to fetch the mail in only his underwear. He put on a skeptical face and seeing him warily considering it we went so far as to dare him. We watched as his inner debate turned to resolve before he threw on his tennis shoes and ran out the door. Bird and I locked eyes quickly, "Get the camera!" and bolted to the window. Here we are years later and we can still enjoy a few nice pictures of Justin running with the mail and a triumphant smile on his face. To really appreciate our joy you need to understand that Justin was born 30 and rarely rushes into anything without some sense of the pros and cons. So we can't afford to let opportunities such as these pass us by. Especially now that they help us get through the teenage years as proverbial trump cards.
Today was no exception and I sensed opportunity once again, a sort of completion of something that had began so long ago. "See Justin how you should be careful about taking dares? When someone in college dares you to do something for $50 you need to consider if it's worth having it follow you forever, because I guarantee everyone will have a camera and will be taking pictures." He glowered at me with one brow raised. I continued, "For $500 it might be worthwhile" and Bird added, "and as long as you aren't naked!" To which Justin replied, "yeah, as long as I'm not naked and I'm not in a maternity house."
A brief silence followed as Bird and I looked at one another, something forming between us about his statement that was both a little wrong and yet oh so right. Bird asked, "maternity house?" and Justin replied again, "maternity house." Although this time he was a little more uncertain. I think fear was beginning to grip him. I asked, "Did you mean fraternity house, or sorority house, or a house where all the pregnant girls go to get through college?" His glower was back in force but no matter, Bird and I were giggling much too hard to care about his suffering. "Whatever!" he spouted as he left the table.
2 comments:
When I was a kid, I was convinced that the unique identifier on property was a "Cheerio Number".
Cruel but I must say I can relate as a parent and thanks for sharing, made me laugh on the way to work. Feel sorry for Justin though. Cruel Dad Joe :)
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