In a world where all is right…

It’s funny how we learn lessons in life; they always seem to come from the most unlikely of places. Today, my three year old son Liam taught me one.

My wife is a big fan of what she calls ‘mini vacations’. Anyone who is familiar with married family life knows what I’m talking about…. museum trips, day hikes, tours of little ridiculous places that make for a good snapshot or two in the old family album. Today, being that I felt like taking a day off, I got sucked into one. Not how I planned to spend my day, I assure you…. I was thinking something along the lines of a trip to the park with the kids, mowing the lawn, a few cold beers and a brewer game in the evening. Instead, I was informed this morning, in that “It would be a bad idea to disagree” voice that only wives and mothers have, that we would be going to see something called the Rudolph Grotto.

I wasn’t too upset at the idea at first, mainly because I had no idea what a grotto was. Being a man, I of course couldn’t admit to ignorance, so I ran downstairs and googled it. To my utter dismay, I realized that a the grotto is a collection of stone monuments and garden exhibits. With something called the ‘Wonder Cave’. This was going to be about as much fun as the mustard museum. (sadly, such a place really exists)

I entertained thoughts of suicide and running away briefly (as I always do in these situations), but as usual it was to no avail, and 45 minutes later we were on the road… Rudolph Grotto or bust, and heaven help us.

Pulling in, I was less impressed than I had planned. The place was part of a catholic church, so I knew we were soon to be overwhelmed by Virgin Mary’s and crosses. Liam was about as happy as I, so we decided to split into two groups, with the crabby males of the clan having every intention of a quick escape. A large building was all you could see from the road. Half covered with Ivy, it was interesting in a quick glance as you drive by kind of way.

Rounding the corner, we were greeted by this eyesore, which might have impressed me had one of my children built it, but only in the most parental of ways. Things only got worse, as the next stop on the path brought us to the awe inspiring Wonder Cave…

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Comments (24)
  • Duff D Moss on Aug 13, 2009

    Dude! I loved this. How friggen true this is. All to often we let magic slip us by. Great comical style to start with – how many blokes can relate to that…and then really quite touching.

    Great stuff brother.

  • Littlekid137 on Aug 13, 2009

    That was excellent!! I love listening to 3 year ikd talk, their imagination is crazy.

  • raptor22 on Aug 13, 2009

    Kids can have that effect on a person. Wonderful pictures.

  • Bo Russo on Aug 13, 2009

    That really was touching MND,I enjoyed it.Your kids are awesome too.

  • Katie Marie on Aug 13, 2009

    Absolutely wonderful! We do need that refreshing look through their eyes that see the wonders around us that we so easily miss.

  • Theresa Johnson on Aug 13, 2009

    MN you definately make me look forward to my daughter doing something like that… Kids are definately a wonderful reminder of the magic and beauty in life…

  • N. Lloyd Andrews on Aug 13, 2009

    Fantastic story.

    My life is filled with similar tales with my own four children.

  • AngelicaRaene on Aug 13, 2009

    Awwwwww this definitely made me smile. My babies are 4 and 3 now, and some of the things they say does make you stop and think.

  • Karen Gross on Aug 13, 2009

    Seeing life through the eyes of your children truly is a magical phenomena! For parents who take the time and energy to enter into their children’s worlds, it is an opportunity for a second childhood.

    Unfortunately, we tend to prefer life in the adult world. It does take time and energy to join in with our children’s play, and parents are very busy people. I confess that I have missed many opportunites because there is just so much I have to do.

    Inviting our children to *help* with our work is another opportunity that is easily missed, since we know that their help will mean that the chore will take longer, and I know that I have been guilty of telling myself that I don’t have the extra time.

    Kids grow up so fast – and these moments and opportunites to join our kids in play will be gone before we know it.

  • David Crerand on Aug 13, 2009

    Brings back day trips with my kids. Well written MNOF, well lived DAD.

  • Rod Ferrandino on Aug 13, 2009

    You definitely hit the emotional “dad” bone, and I appreciate the effort; takes me back 15 years to when our now 18 year old daughter treated me to a similar excursion to Denace the Menace Park, in Monterey, Ca.

  • JonnieWall on Aug 13, 2009

    What a great mini-vacation, it’s always a good idea to listen to your Wife. :-) and your 3 year old

  • Darla Cooke on Aug 13, 2009

    What a magical and wonderful day with your kids and the pictures are beautiful!

  • I Have Had Enough on Aug 13, 2009

    So true dude, I like to be a big kid sometimes; and as men we should take full advantage of the excuse!

  • oldster on Aug 13, 2009

    Have to agree about the magic of pure imagination.
    But as an adult I think that gardener deserves some appreciation.

  • cafftee on Aug 13, 2009

    I have had this experience several times while the kids have been on summer hols this year. The first time I’ve had to get through eight weeks of it pretty much single handed, but we’ve had some great times when I’ve been forced, or forced myself, to embrace my inner child and just stop being a grown up for a little bit. I know I should do it more often. Good article.

  • maranatha on Aug 14, 2009

    You just made my day. I have been fighting some battles…. but my kids were young once, and I remember those magic days. Thank you!

  • Used to be Shelly on Aug 14, 2009

    Wow, what a cool dad. I can assure you that your time spent with them that day and your obvious enjoyment of it will stick with them into adulthood.

    This was really awesome. Thank you for sharing it with us. :)

  • giftarist on Aug 14, 2009

    This is so true! I like your execution, have nice pics too!

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful insights

  • alc on Aug 14, 2009

    Great write it gives me somthing to look foward too!!!

  • Aledys Ver on Aug 14, 2009

    I surely enjoyed reading this! Hilarious at times, I could picture your face and attitudes all the time being dragged along to see a “grotto” prepared to be bored – but, surprise!!! :o )
    Loved it!
    Cheers!!!!!!!

  • JCHume on Aug 16, 2009

    I’m with you on the urge to run a way bit but as my boy can still take my breath away with his odd and fanciful outlook on life our ‘mini-vacations’ usually turn into eye-openers for me too. (Or should that be heart-openers?)

  • Katien on Aug 24, 2009

    Seeing things through a child’s eyes can be a truly amazing experience, and you have to make the most of it because children get cynical very young now.

  • mindopener on Aug 30, 2009

    Awesome story~You are a cool dad.

    Your kids will probably remember that day for a long time too.

    Thank you for sharing this with us, gives me hope for my husband.

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