Captain’s Log. Vacation Chronicles. Diaper Date Unknown. Well, the Captain and his crew are currently in the great state of Michigan. I am typing one handed as the Diaper Dweller is knocked out on my lap, usurping the use of my left arm. So this post may be short lived. The Eldest, Mrs. Captain,and Betty Crocker (my mother-in-law, you should try her roasts) are currently out riding horses, or milking cows, or something.
Yesterday, I witnessed an interesting phenomena. Our lake neighbors were playing in he water. Earlier, the mom, the dad, and the grandfather had challenged the eldest son to throw a baseball across the lake – about a 70 yard toss. Needless to say, this was a fun family.
Later, the dad lost his sunglasses horsing around with his sons. Everyone has lost something in the water, I’m sure. I lost my wedding ring once. It is not easy to find things in muddy water.
The dad and granddad rounded up the boys and had them stand still so that the water would calm and the sand would settle. Of course there was one kid who wouldn’t listen. He had to help. He kept swimming and walking and looking. The dad never raised his voice. Never yelled. He never removed the child from the water.
The Captain watched silently. In my head I was thinking, “Kid, get out of the water.” The father repeated his request and acknowledged that the kid was trying to help. How many of us would do the same? This father was cool. His expensive sunglasses were lost and he wasn’t freaking out.
And you know what? The kid found the sunglasses in the murky water.
The dad heaped praise on him. The son grinned from ear to ear. You could clearly tell that this is a healthy relationship.
The lesson? It is important for our kids to listen to us, but sometimes we need to learn to trust our kids. This dad was awesome. His demeanor was amazing. You could tell that his kids respected him and felt respected as well. The mom was equally supportive and encouraging. I obviously don’t “know” them, but they seem like a pretty cool family to know.
Now, if you will excuse me, there is a dad I’m going to recruit for Life of Dad. And I’m gonna get some ice cream. Don’t judge me.
For now, Captain out.
Check out the Captain’s personal blog – http://poopdeckcapt.wordpress.com
Chuck Norris you have an open invitation to join us!
Image courtesy of Laudu.