Ben grabbed a skittles package from the candy section which was perfectly in reach for him. He held it up and babbled things at me. I said, "No, Ben, we're not buying that, please put it back."
Then I stepped back and yelled, "Zeke! I can't see you! I need to hear a 'yes, mama!'"
I waited and then I heard a faint, "Yes, mama!"
Good enough, I thought, and I turned to look at the cashier. She was moving the divider and just about to start scanning my items.
Then I heard a dozen little clinks, followed by dozens more clinks and I saw Ben waving an empty red wrapper.
The people in line behind me gave several reactions - all of which annoyed me.
I took a deep breath, looked at all the skittles on the ground and said, "Zeke! I need you to come find me!"
Then I took the wrapper, gave it to the cashier and said, "We'd like to buy this too. And, could you ask for someone to come with a broom?"
The lady in front of me, who was gathering her bags to leave said, "These are the days. What wonderful children you have. I have two kids - they're much older now - and I remember how fun it was when they were little like that. Of course, then something like this happens and I think, I'm just fine where I am."
If the man with the broom came, I'll never know, because the cashier and I got on our knees and picked up every skittle. And Zeke threw a fit when we threw them in the garbage and didn't even let him eat one.
1 comment:
You rock, Tina.
I try to make it a point to smile (nicely) at people with kids when I'm in the store, at the park, on an airplane, etc. Usually I'll make a few silly faces at the kids too, if we're standing in line or something.
I don't understand why people have to get upset or react when kids act like kids--like the parents aren't stressed enough already. You handled the situation well.
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