My Apologies to the Public

You know the old saying..."What goes around, comes around." Our children have definitely proved to us just how true and vindictive this saying can be. During all my hissy fits concerning awkward public encounters, I've failed to mention the many, many kind words and encouragement I also receive. I'm hoping by correcting my attitude toward the public, we won't have quite so many "mishaps" in the future.

I am so touched when those innocent bystanders who are plowed over in the grocery store by the Hudson Storm, look back at me, smile and say sweet things such as, "Oh, Honey. Hang in there. They'll be off at college before you know it, and then you'll be wishing you had someone in the store with you!" Or, my favorite recently, was the older gentleman who was bagging my groceries simply stated, after staring for just a moment at our three wild boys and then hearing the cashier ask me the sex of the baby in-utero, "Ma'am, the good Lord wouldn't give 'em to you if HE didn't think you could handle 'em." Sweet comments such as these are what help me to face another public outing with The Hudson Storm.

Lightning recently caused quite a ruckus at our local breakfast hang out. Bert had all three boys, waiting for our to-go order of country cooking. The place was packed. Being early in the morning, most of the restaurant's patrons were sipping coffee and reading the paper, QUIETLY. That description is important, to help you all understand just how embarrassing the following was.... An older man walked in the door, and headed to the counter to place his order. Lightning spotted him from across the way and immediately ran to him, squealing with delight back at Thunder and pointing directly at his head, "LOOK! LOOK! His head is BALD!!! It's a BALD MAN!!! LOOK! HE'S BALD!!!"

Bert came home and declared he would no longer be taking our boys out in public, for at least the next 10 years or so. Who can blame him??

So, it's moments such as these I am left to ponder the old saying, "What goes around, comes around." As well as, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" Do we have encounters with those who know no social boundaries because we deserve it? Or do our children seek vindication on our behalf after being berated time and time again during our family outings? Either way, I'm going to try and keep my mouth shut in the future.... Ummm, yeah, sure I will.