I took the boys downtown today, to meet Dad. We were going to the bloodmobile so Dad and I could donate blood, then off to lunch. Now, Dad works downtown. Among the very young and hip. I always feel self conscious down there. Especially when I discover I have the remnants of a chocolate doughnut on my shoulder, knee, and back, like today. But the funny part is watching the downtown business crowd react to my crowd of little boys. The ALARM! The CONSTERNATION! People skirt my gaggle of children with looks on their faces as if to say “Whoa! What are you doing with THOSE? I mean, HERE? I don’t think we’re ZONED for children! Do you have a PERMIT??” It makes me want to encourage my boys to do things like run up and hug the nice lady in the suit. Hey, take your power where you can get it.
Then again, there were people who melted at the sight of them. It reminded me of being a kid in school, when a dog would wander onto the playground. Everyone went nuts, vying to get close enough to pet the dog. Now, kids love dogs, but our reaction was more than dog love. It was like a breath of fresh air, this unexpected dose of the real world. We craved it.
So, to the people who loved a dose of reality today in the form of three grubby faced kids, you’re quite welcome. And to the people who were terrified, you’re even more welcome. Hee, hee.