Get a Job

Tonight we were all sitting for a few minutes after swim lessons/practice watching a show together, when Cooter piped up and told his Daddy, “I need fifty dollars.”

(Yeah, I got no idea.)

Before I could say anything in response or cut off the words I was sure were coming from the Fella, sure enough, his Daddy immediately tossed back, “Get a job.”

Uh oh.

Now he’s done it.

Two weeks ago when we were getting ready to leave on our whirlwind trip to Texas, I asked our sweet neighborfriend and her younger son if he would mind feeding our “outside, half feral, roams the neighborhood” cat while we were gone.  He loves cats–I mean, he REALLY loves them–so he eagerly said yes.  The two of them came over to get the details and collect the food the night before we flew out.  As they were walking back to their house, they turned and waved, as I hollered, “Thank you so much! We appreciate y’all!”

Then my little buddy called back, waving, “That’s okay.  You’ll pay me.  Like a million dollars?”

His sweet Mama was mortified.  She immediately started correcting him and apologizing to me at the same time.  She’s good like that.

Bless her, I thought it was funny.  I waved it off, laughing.  They walked home “discussing” his fee.

After we got home, I went over to thank them properly.  I didn’t have a million dollars, but I did want him to know he was appreciated so I had a little something from Texas in hand.

His Mama started laughing and told me what happened after they got home.  She had explained to him that you don’t charge neighbors for helping out like that.  That it was kind and part of being a good neighbor to help each other.

“But Mom,” he explained, “Dad is always telling us to get a job and make some money.”

Well there you go.  Exactly right.  Can’t argue with that logic.

Y’all.  That is just too precious right there, isn’t it? They–all these little people–are listening.

So I fully expect Cooter to come up with something I need to pay him for tomorrow.  Since his Daddy told him to get a job and all.  No telling what it is for, but I expect I’ll hear about that tomorrow too.

Tonight I’m thankful for children who lighten the load with the way they see the world and the laughter they bring.  I give thanks for good neighbors and children willing to work for their dollars.  Most of all, I’m thankful my sweet neighborfriends have moved back after two years of being away.  We have missed them very much. Now they are back to being the Pineapple people, and I’m on a very special “birfday” list again.  Life is good.

Love to all.