CHILD SCREAMING
While I was in the produce section of my local Publix Supermarket, I could hear a child screaming at the top of their lungs, WHILE THE MOTHER WAS FRANTICALLY TRYING TO CHECK OUT AT THE REGISTER.
Heads were turning, windows were on the verge of shattering, and people everywhere were looking up away from their lists to see who was crying out like they’d been beaten with a fly swatter on a hot summer day.
As I approached the checkout line, I couldn’t help but notice the child was crying inconsolably, attracting all kinds of attention. It appeared she wanted a balloon. No big deal, right? Well, instead of correcting the child–this is where good discipline comes in–the mom desperately finds a balloon to remedy the situation.
At this point, I was looking for duct tape. My left eye is twitching uncontrollably.
I’m just saying!
Finally, an employee brings a balloon. Side note: I think the employee was immediately promoted and given a spot bonus.
The kid shuts up (Sorry for my bluntness) and they head to their vehicle.
I check out, leave with my groceries, head out to my truck thinking the world is in harmony once again.
I’m almost to my destination and all of a sudden…
THE BALLOON POPPED!
UPDATES AND WHATNOTS
Here’s the latest on the kitten we rescued:
He’s eating and drinking and well…..using the litter box all the time. In case you missed what happened, here’s what went down (http://mikeoutler.com/2013/05/28/kittens-and-highways/
) We truly enjoy him and we’re thankful that God put us in his path.
Two NBA greats recently retired, both are class acts:
Jason Kidd and Grant Hill
What are your plans for the weekend?
KITTENS AND HIGHWAYS
Do you remember what it was like to make a split-second decision? One that might alter the course of life for someone or something? You’ve got no time to think or analyze.
Just react!
Earlier today, I was taking my oldest daughter and her friend to see my mom. A trip to Nana’s house usually includes sarcasm, sweet treats, and lots of love. While traveling down a four lane highway, I noticed a man temporarily parked in the turn lane. He was rescuing a very tiny kitten on the opposite side of the highway. As we drove by, I thought to myself, what a good deed. When you see something like this, the last thought that goes through your head is whether there are more kittens aimlessly wandering into traffic.
Just seconds after, as I was changing lanes, I looked ahead toward the ground and noticed, what looked like another kitten. I barely missed it! INCHES!
Thank God I didn’t hit this poor, helpless feline. What happened next is surreal. It was like I was not in control, on autopilot.
I immediately slammed on brakes as I pulled over. No big deal, right? That was the easy part. Less than a half mile and coming my way was a semi truck, along with a few trucks following close behind (I can’t make this stuff up). I had to back my truck up to get closer to the kitten’s location. I put my flashing lights on, and with a sense of cautious urgency, I ran toward oncoming traffic attempting to signal the truck to change lanes. Why? He was aiming straight for this thing. He abruptly changed lanes but the trucks and cars behind him were following too closely to react. That’s a lesson for another time!
Anyway, as vehicles were coming my way, without any thought, I ran into the road and scooped up this little ball of terrified fur and got out of the way. He weighed less than a pound and was only a few weeks old. I’ve never been a cat lover, but there’s no way I could have kept driving not knowing what would happen.
It just so happens that the other girl’s mom is a veterinarian. So we took it back to her house where he (yet to be named) could get some much-needed professional attention along with food and water.
I share this story not to get accolades, but to simply allow you to be a part my day. Here he is.
REMEMBER THE FALLEN
“Words are even more feeble in this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved, and in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.” Ronald Reagan
LOSER!
Just a few minutes ago, I was listening to talk radio and- I know, nerd! News geek! Anyway, I heard an interview with Jimmy Conners about his new book, The Outsider.
Obviously, the purpose of the interview was to promote the book. That’s a given. But that’s not what stopped me in my tracks…..errrr, caused me to turn up the radio and pay attention vs. being a defensive driver and watching out for knuckleheads.
It was what he said that went against the grain of American society and particularly what’s politically correct in the 21′st century.
I grew up watching Jimmy on the hard top, against some of the best tennis players the world has ever witnessed. In the late 1980′s, I saw him compete in the Bausch & Lomb Tennis Championship on Amelia Island Plantation, where I lived.
Conners went toe-to-toe against stars like John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Vitas Gerulaitis (Saying his name sounds like a medical condition–no offense Vitas!)
Anyway, back on track.
The one thing that stood out to me in the interview, was a simple, benign comment about winning and losing. While I don’t have a direct quote, I’ll explain what was said, which a quote isn’t needed–you’ll get the point.
Jimmy was talking about what his motivation was for winning and how he was motivated to excel in the sport of tennis. He casually mentioned that, in today’s society (American) we are handed everything to us and we don’t put any emphasis on losing. In fact, we avoid it at all costs!
Well….this got me to thinking–scary, I know!
Kids, by and large, are not taught the lesson of winning AND LOSING (emphasis on losing). Everything is handed to them because, God forbid, we let them experience the “Agony of defeat.”
We live in a society of not offending anyone, at any cost.
What will happen when little Johnny grows up never knowing what it’s like to experience failure? How will he react? I can tell you how it will go down. As an adult, little Johnny will get his Underoos in a wad and want to whine and moan about how he’s treated unfairly and how he’s a victim……yada yada yada! No one wants to hear it and no one will want to pamper him.
Until the day comes when the Undroos-wearing babies outnumber the normal, deal-with-it part of society dies out.
