So today started off like normal. I’m late for work, and running around to get everything together. Coffee… check. Laptops… check. IPod… chest pocket, check. Alright, let’s kiss the family goodbye. As I lean over to pick Susie up off the floor to give her a kiss… thump. That’s right, the iPod slips out of my pocket and lands squarely on the top of her head. It take a minute to sink in, but then the tears begin. The look of shock, and the cries of pain just break your heart as a father. She looks at me like “What did you let happen to me?” I feel horrible. I try holding her and whispering sweet comforting words in her ear, and it appears to be working. Then I see it… the giggle stick.
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| Susie plays happily with the giggle stick |
For those who don’t know what this is, it’s like one of those rain sticks, or cow noise makers, except the sound is a little different. It’s a wonderful toy, and one of Susie’s favorites. Every time it goes, she smiles, and this time is no exception. I grab the giggle stick, shake it a few times, and the smiles return instantly. The tears haven’t even reached the full expanse of her cheeks, and she’s smiling again. I wipe the tears, hand her to Traci, and she’s smiling.
If only we adults could forget something or someone that hurt us that quickly. How often do you find yourself still angry or bitter hours, days, weeks, months, or even years later by something a good friend did or said. I thought when I became a father that I would be doing the teaching, not the other way around. Obviously I’ve got a lot to learn still.
Oms Family 