I was going to drive Chris back to the University across town on a really cold winter day. I usually bring coffee along and I heated a cup to near boiling for the drive. We got our things together and went out. I put the cup on the car roof, opened Chris’ door, walked around and opened mine. We got in, buckled up and started off – down the alley, turn, drive a couple of blocks and turn again It was cold enough I wasn’t going to push the vehicle until the engine warmed. I reached down to the cup holder for the coffee. It wasn’t there. I’d left it on the car roof. I hadn’t heard it rumble across the roof (from past experience I know what that sounds like) so I eased up on the gas, pulled to the curb and gently braked.
As I unbuckled and opened the door, Chris had a puzzled look and asked, “What are you doing?”
I stepped out and, yep, the cup was still there. I grabbed it by the handle, slid back to my seat and took a sip. “Ah,” I said, “just right.”
“You didn’t plan that," Chris said. I just gave him The Look as I put the car in gear and started off again.
There’s a time I think every parent experiences. It happens when the kids are young, their problems small and their life is limited to the things we’ve been able to expose them to. It’s a time when a parent can cure ills, kiss away pain and is a constant source of wonder and knowledge. This period doesn’t last very long but for a little while the kid thinks we’re a god. I miss those days. The best I can do now is to try to keep them a little off balance. It re-creates the mood. It helps kids remember that parents are still a little special.
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2 comments:
Wow, that's talent Uncle Mike! I'll give you points for creativity & acting.
YOU are a very wise man. You wouldn't have looked nearly as smart had you been in Florida. Way to pick your state of residence. 'Course, I always did look up to you no matter the state.
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