Friday, June 15, 2012

Father's Day Gifts

What’s everybody doing for Father’s Day, I asked the second graders today. Is anyone planning something special for dad?
“I’m taking him to Florida,” said Ashley.
“I’m getting him a pet,” said Eddie.
What a surprise that will be for dad, I thought.
“Both grandmas and grandpas are coming,” said Joey. “We’re going to Long Beach Island tomorrow, and then they’re all going to sleep over.”
You guys are too much, I told them.
“That’s what my mom always says,” said Kira, who has two siblings in the same elementary school.
“We’re going swimming,” said Emma.
Do you have your own pool, I asked her.
“No, we’re going to the town pool. But guess what? I’m getting a pool next year. My dad said he is going to dig one for us.”
In the back yard?
“Yes. And you know what the best part is?”
The possibilities there were endless.
“It’s going to be right next to the trampoline.” Her excitement was palpable.
Oh, so you can bounce right into the pool then. I bet you can’t wait for next summer.
“I know.” Accompanied by an ear-to-ear smile.
But I hope you are all going to take it easy on dad on his special day, I said. You know, give him a break, do something nice, maybe bring him a cold drink when he’s in the hammock (wondering at the same time if dads anywhere ever spent time in a hammock and if any of the children even knew what a hammock is).
Part two of that was quickly answered. 
“We have a hammock, said Eddie, but it’s broken because we were all playing in it.” 

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