A Little Kindness

When my son was around 13, we took him and a friend to Dollywood. We had a great day with one exception. I lost the tickets to Splash Country. The plan was to go ride all the rides, then spend some time in the waterpark before heading home. I finally concluded the tickets must have fallen out of my pocket. It was so frustrating. I was so mad at myself.

Finally, at the end of the day, we headed back to the van. (1997 Mercury Villager. What a great vehicle.) As we got in the car, my son said one more time, “Boy, I wish we could have gone to Splash Country.” It was at this time I found the tickets. I had left them in the car.

Before I tell the rest of the story, it is important for you to know that the love language in our home is sarcasm. Every member makes fun of every other family member. It is how we roll. I am not especially proud of this fact, nor am I ashamed. It is just the truth.

“Boy, I wish we could have gone to Splash Country,” my son said. I waited for my wife’s response. There were so many options at her disposal.

She could go with, “Well. . .” Then silence on her behalf. Thus, I would be forced to admit my mistake.

Perhaps the direct approach. “Sorry boys, we could have gone, but your Dad lost the tickets. Here they are in fact. He left them in the car.”

Or the classic, indirect dig. “Yes, Dad, it would have been nice to go to Splash Country, don’t you think?” Smirk with slight chuckle.

Vicki simply turned to the boys and said, “Well, maybe next time.” No mention of my failure.

Man, I love that woman!

You will never regret being kind.