Funny Slippers

“You want to buy slippers for someone in your Family Group?” I ask. Never heard this request before. Now this seventh-grade Family Group leader is showing genuine concern for one of his younger Family Group members.

“Yeah, it’s Red Ribbon Week and tomorrow everyone will be wearing funny slippers as part of the “Give drugs the slip” day. I don’t think this guy has any to bring.”

“And you’re willing to shell out the money if I give you this student’s shoe size?”

“Yes, I was afraid if I asked him, he’d figure it out. If you tell me his size, I’ll go buy them tonight and then tomorrow you can give them to him, or to his teacher, or something.”

“I’m really impressed that you would care about him and plan ahead to avoid a potentially awkward time for one of your members. Why don’t you want to give them to him yourself?”

“Well, I would, but I don’t want the other members of my Family Group to think I’m playing favorites.”

I look at him for awhile. “I’m impressed with your foresight and wisdom. The problem is that he has a sibling who would also be left out.”

Without hesitation, he says, “I’ll buy two pair.”

Lost Cat

This drawing is on my fridge now. The cat has been found! The drawing makes me laugh. Go ahead, look at it for a bit, then look away, then look back suddenly. You can’t help laughing.

The three girls asked permission to hang the sign on our Public Announcements board to help a neighbor find a lost cat.

I had looked at the drawing and then at the girls.

“This picture shows what the cat looks like, huh?” I asked them, keeping a straight face despite what looked like tire tread marks on the cat's back.

“Yes! And it looks just like him!”

Another Bake Sale, But Different

“Well, what kind of bake sale?” I ask the earnest third grader.

“For my friend. He’s sick and he can’t pay for help.”

I’m pleased that she wants to help, but over the last month we’ve had bake sales, coin collection and down-right begging till it’s running out our ears. Hurricane Katrina kept students and classrooms busy with many individually-initiated efforts. Now this girl wants to help a young man she “sort of” knows. He attends college about five states away.

She tells me more, and I give in. Yes, we will promote her bake sale. Who could resist after the promise she made. “If not many people help, I will add my $500.” It’s her life savings.