He Looks so Sweet Now...

I don't know what it is.  Maybe it's because I'm getting older.  Maybe it's because it's not going to rain.  Maybe it's because it's Tuesday.  Whatever it is, I've been thinking about my own growing up years.  I was just telling Sydney that I think I had a near perfect childhood.  No, I never did get that horse I wanted.  But my days were full of a little bit of work and lots of fun, laughter and love.

After six years, my dad was recently released from his calling of his ward's bishop.  During those years, people constantly stopped to tell me how much they love and appreciate my dad.  Normally, I would solemnly nod my head in agreement.  Until they got to what a sweet, kind man he is.  Then I would do my best not to snort and roll my eyes. 

You see, under all of that sweetness and kindness is a man who loved to tease his kids and watch them squirm.  Now, as a parent, I understand that sometimes, you've just got to create your own entertainment.  But as I kid all I knew was that you'd better be on your toes around him.

His favorite trick (besides the say "sh"  now say "it".  Faster, faster, faster! one) occurred when we would go to the movie theater here in St. Johns.  Trying to save money, we would sneak in our own treats, but still buy a pop from the theater.  M&M's could be easily hidden in my mom's purse.  But what to do about that bulky bag of microwave popcorn?  Oh yes.  Let's have Marcie wear a jacket and she can hide the popcorn under it.  As a complete follower of THE RULES, this mortified me.  But my dad didn't stop there.  We would stand in line, waiting for a pop and my dad would loudly proclaim.

"Hey Marc, it's hot in here.  Why don't you take off that jacket?"
"Uh, no dad." I'd mumble.  "I'm just fine.  Thanks though."
"Nah" he'd persist, "You've got to be burning up.  Let me take it for you."
At some point, he would give up.  Or I'd scurry to find a seat, with or without a Pepsi.

Looking back, my grown-up self would have handed him the jacket and pointed out to the world that he was a breaker of THE RULES.  But my little kid self just took it.  And loved every stinkin' minute of it because he may have just gotten me, but who knew what he could do to torture the other kids!?!  If I just hung in long enough I would get to see that entertainment.

And isn't that what family is all about?