Sorry to interrupt your day but I have a success story to share. It reads fast and I hope you enjoy it.
I woke up this morning and began the daily routine of getting the kids up, dressed, fed, lunches packed, teeth brushed, and off to school. during the hustle I notice a piece of paper that was going to attempt to throw me out of my flow. I saw the reminder that today is my kindergartener’s teacher appreciation day.
Crap. Bus comes in a few minutes. No problem.
I’ll drive the kids. Out with the construction paper and crayons and Leo has a wonderful card ready for his teacher. Add an apple and a snack and BAM, we’re still rolling. Then I find the reminder that today is also teacher appreciation day for my 4th grader.
Crap. Possible problem.
“Ben, are you okay if we get your teacher a card and her favorite snack this weekend. Then you can take it in on Monday and explain that we forgot Friday but did want to bring her something and hand it to her then?” Having witnessed the “already a bit off schedule morning,” my wonderful 9 year old says “Sure.” Sweet. Back on track.
The bus has gone. No problem. We jump in the car and are still on track to beat the bell. Cool. It is when we are almost to the school’s driveway that my Star Wars shirt wearing five-year old says “Dado, today is career day, remember?”
Oh Crap. Now I do. I remember how you came to me days ago reaching up for a hug while telling me you want to be a Mortgage Banker like you daddy for Career Day. “Are you sure you don’t want to be a Ninja?” I asked. “No,” he affirmed. “I want to be a Mortgage Banker like you.” Crap. How often is a Mortgage Banker going to beat a Ninja at anything.
“Leo, buddy, we’re running late and we’re already at the school, can I go ahead and drop you off?” The sadness that followed that question was palatable. I saw the disappointment. I heard his eyes begin to water and his voice quivering.
Ok buddy. No problem.
We miss the turn into his school and head to Target. As we hurry to the door, it decides it’s not going to open for us. We’re there 10
minutes early.
Arghhhh!
Fine.
No problem.
We wait ten minutes. Kellie kindly opens the door and we run/walk to the boy’s shirts and find a great one. His pants work so we’re good there, but Target has no Boys’ ties.
Really? C’mon Target. Help a guy out. No problem. Kohl’s is next door.
While heading back to the register we grab a card and treat for Ben’s teacher (Niiiiiice! You’re bringing it back together Brian!). Items on the belt. Hand to my pocket. Crap.
I don’t have my wallet. I DON’T have my wallet? Crap. Crap. Crap.
Ok boys. We leave the stuff and head back to the car. I try again. “Leo, since Dado didn’t have his wallet with him and we’re already late, can I go ahead and drop you off at school?” Same response. This is obviously important to him.
Ok buddy. No problem.
Home we go. I grab my wallet and go ahead and get dressed for work. Back in the car. We go to Kohl’s for a tie yet no way am I paying $22 for a boy’s white shirt. We’re late but we’re not that late. Back to Target for the $10 shirt and… our stuff has been reshelved.
Really? Ok. No problem. We go recollect everything and actually check out this time. Quick trip to the Family Restroom. Ben signs the card. Leo dresses like a Mortgage Banker.
We jump in the car and finally get to school. Hug and kiss for Ben and he heads off. I walk Leo to his room and open the door and am floored. Every kid in the room is dressed up. I see a cowgirl, an astronaut, a princess, a fireman, a policeman. I think I saw a dragon. And as my son walks into the room his teacher smiles a huge smile and says “Leo, you made it. And you ARE a Mortgage Banker!”
And off he went.
Wow.
Yup it was one of those awesome, life affirming, I just did everything right mornings. I hope you have one of these soon. Enjoy your day!
