My wife Ashley, performs five vital roles (among other things) in our family. She is the center of our health, well being, nutrition, organization and morality. Without any one of these essential pieces, we (I) would be sunk. All too often, I take for granted her tireless efforts to keep us healthy, well rounded, well nourished, organized and on track. It is my mission, however, to make sure that our sons do not.
On this particular evening, everyone was tired from a long and rough day...and by everyone, I mean me. Too much was happening - so much noise and chaos. Not enough, or any, help was being given by the male members of the family and dinner preparations were under way. Ashley was busy displaying her usual talent and proficiency for cooking but got distracted and ended up burning the applesauce. She was horrified. I asked her not to throw it out because I knew it would still be fantastic (which it was) but I also knew that I would be unable to stop her from confessing to the family at large.
In order to prevent any complaints or face making from the boys, I suggested that negative comments would be unwelcome. Until such a time, if any, that they chose to participate in a manner beyond that of consumption, they could simply "suck it". I had had enough!
As the last two words hung in the air over the dining room table I knew at once I had made a mistake. If only I could snatch them out of thin air and stuff them back into my mouth. Alas...
There was a momentary pause while all eyes were averted. From my left came a small, three-year-old voice.
"Daddy," he said casually, not looking up as he organized the peas on his plate.Oh boy, here it comes. I'm not sure whether I was more nervous about what was coming next or about accidentally meeting my wife's glare and being struck instantly dead. I think I might have actually broken a sweat.
"I can suck it through a straw," he proudly announced.- 22 January 2012
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