I WATCHED HIM EAT IT!

Day 46

Having retired gives the privilege of doing what I would like when I would like to do it. Oh, yes, there are challenges, but overall, the perks FAR outweigh the challenges (I will some day learn how to make bread and remember to check before removing the diaper).

Today, one of my son's teachers felt ill and called to see if I was available to come in and cover for her so she could go home and rest. I hadn't planned on being in the school environment as a teacher today. In fact, I had several things on my agenda to do that were more 'work' related than 'stay-at-home-dad'.

After discussing with my boss, my wife, we decided that I could go. "After all," we reasoned, "it would be good to get to know our son's friends." (by the way, how many parents get to know their child's friends in the school environment?)

I entered the classroom to much noise and hub-bub as some children were finishing their lunches and others were cleaning and yet others were at different stations throughout the room. I turned to ask the lead teacher what she would like me to do, but she beat me to it, "Oh, perfect timing! I'm glad you're here." Immediately I felt welcomed.

I was in the middle of an activity identifying 'teen' numbers (13, 14, 15, etc., etc., etc) when the student I was working with looked directly at me, picked his nose and ate it. I WATCHED HIM EAT IT! There was no hesitation. No apology. No excuses.



What DO you say to that?! "Do you need a tissue?" I weakly asked. "No," was his simple reply.

My stomach...Oh, my stomach...

Life Lesson: Be grateful your own child doesn't have such a craving!