Dont’ get me wrong - I love the little (??) dickens to death, too. Well, let me explain.
He’s 17. Yep, a teenager. Today, I had to be at a ‘convention’ of sorts - Community Corrections Providers Fair, a couple hundred judges, parole and probation officers milling about, looking at the high tech brochures of places w/more funding than mine, followed by a tepid lunch, some speeches and land speed record breaking tear down of the exhibit. Typically, I’m there alone, with my little sign, stack of brochures etc. This year, however, my agency (hell who are we kidding, I did this) produced a training video, geared towards employability issues for ex offenders. Well, what better time to showcase the damn thing but at this gig.
I contacted the convention hall, for a mere $80, I could rent a tv/vcr combo for the day. Did I mention we were a small non profit??? So I called around and found one for less than half of that. But I’d have to pick it up and take it with. Well, I can deal with lugging a large briefcase and my poster-sized sign, but adding a tv/vcr took it out of my managable range.
Enter my son. He’s not in school today (very long story, that would get me tossed right out of this forum and I’m still too ticked off about to say much more). So I asked if he would come with.
He said yes. He dressed up nicely, helped me carry stuff, set stuff up. He helped another person set up their display. Basically, we spent the whole day together, and I got to see him, much as others do I think :
A tall, nice looking (just ask Persephone/BunnyGirl and /or CrankyAsAnOldMan), good natured, bright young man, polite and helpful etc. He spent the day alternately sitting at my booth, offering up business cards and or brochures, replaying the video (which had to get old after a short time), and wandering at the other booths, checking out employment opportunities, career paths, and generally making a good impression.
He chatted as easily with the Chief Justice of our local County Court system as he did with the guys from the local half way house who were there helping move stuff.
He commented during lunch that he felt sorry for the food service workers there, since there were white table cloths and the meal was full of stuff that would stain badly. He was looking for something more to drink during lunch, but instead of bothering one of the harried servers, went and helped himself to water.
When we were breaking down and packing up, he took the time to clear the little disposable cups and napkins we had at our display table, tossing them in the trash with the comment that the folks clearing up had enough to deal with, without adding that little bit of trash ourselves.
What a guy. Sniff.
You’ve done a good job raising such a thoughtful and helpful son. Congratulations.