Mums the Word
Every July my family makes the 300 mile trek to the northern woods of Wisconsin to celebrate the fourth of July with my brother Greg, his wife Pat along with their children and grands. It has become a tradition and one of our favorite times of the year.
One night while we were hanging out talking, laughing and at one point started playing a fun “deal breaker” game. Then someone asked about favorite cabin memories. Everyone started throwing out past stories, some funny then and some funny now. One story that always gets mentioned involved my son, and his two cousins. They were going to the fireworks in a neighboring town. My son was driving and apparently there was a long line of cars going just below the speed limit and he decided he would floor it to pass them all before the no passing zone. I’m pretty sure the boys were trying to impress the two girls that were with them. Well, he successfully passed each and everyone, including the front car that happened to be a state trooper. He immediately pulled over without a second thought.
He explained to the trooper, he was trying to pass before the no passing zone, and the officer gave him credit for that. For some miracle, the officer never took him into custody even though his speed would have warranted it. He just took his license. Upon returning no one said anything, however, on the way home, Andrew announced he wouldn’t be driving home since he’d driven the entire way to the cabin. It was so odd and abrupt, and my daughter and I were thinking, Okay.
Fast forward a few months and I went to place some folded laundry on Andrew’s bed and noticed a yellow receipt and I looked at it. WHAT THE? It was the copy of his ticket. Next time I saw him, I asked if there was something he forgot to tell me. By the time I had seen the paperwork, he’d already gone and come home. Again, once he went to pay off the ticket (a day trip without telling anyone), and by the grace of God, the best possible outcome happened.
Anyhow, the infamous firework story surfaces almost every year. I’d like to think the experience taught him some valuable lessons. I understand the concept of mums the word, but it sure didn’t feel good as the parent on the other end. I’m beyond thankful for his safety and everyone he was responsible for that night. Now that he’s a new father, he’ll understand one day soon.
xoxox…..Sheryl