Mom's Wisdom

I think I was eight years old, maybe nine. I’m not exactly sure, but I know I wasn't 10 yet. And for my birthday coming up at the end of September, I asked for a bow and arrow. (OK, maybe a couple of arrows!) There was an older boy across the street, Davey, who had one. He showed me how to hold it, string it, and shoot it. He gave me all the safety warnings, and I felt I was ready. So I asked Mom and Dad for a bow and arrow.

For the time being, let’s forget about the fact that in today’s world, not too many parents would buy a nine year old who lived in town a bow and arrow. Seems kind of irresponsible actually. But the world was different in 1965, and honestly, I don’t think that was even a consideration.

Anyway, I asked, I begged, I pleaded. And weeks before my birthday, a long thin package showed up in the kitchen. It was all wrapped up with a bow, leaning in the corner by the steps, and it obviously was the bow and arrow. But my brother said that the present was from him, and it wasn't a bow. Yeah right! I knew he was covering, trying to keep it a surprise.

Of course, I was really impatient. And excited. I couldn't wait, just couldn't wait. Finally, my birthday came, and I politely opened the other packages first. I saved the best for last. Finally, when it was time, I opened the long thin package, and as I tore into it, I saw that it was -- a fishing pole. I had been sure it was a bow, yet here was a fishing pole where the bow and arrow should have been. I was decimated, to say the least. I was sure I was getting a bow. In my nine year old brain, I deserved the bow.

What happened next, I remember vividly. I looked at my brother and said “Thanks Jeff, I can really use a new fishing pole.” And truthfully, I DID need a new pole. My old one was definitely for little kids. This fishing pole was way better. Yes, I was disappointed, but for some reason, I kept it together, and didn't complain at all.

It was then, and only then, that Mom said “Oh, I just remembered, there’s one more present out in the trunk of the car. Here’s my keys.” I took her keys, ran out to the driveway, opened the trunk of the Buick, and there, not even wrapped, were the bow and arrows that I had wanted all along. Woo Hoo!

To this day, I don’t know how or why I held it together; why I didn't whine and complain. After all, I was a kid, and like all kids, I did my share of that. I’m not sure. Maybe it was because I really did need a fishing pole. Or maybe it was because Jeff was obviously proud that he had bought his little brother such a good present. Or maybe it was because Mom and Dad had taught me that lesson before. I don’t know.

But here’s the thing. I never asked her, but I’m sure Mom kept that present in her car for a reason. There’s no way she just “forgot.” I’ll never know for sure, but I’d bet anything that if I had whined, fussed, or complained about not getting the bow, that bow and arrow would have gone right back to the store. I will always believe that it was withheld to test me, and to teach me. It was a lesson taught, and learned, that I didn't even know I was getting. It wasn't till years later that I realized the responsibility and sense of Mom’s actions that day.

Like I said, just an example of Mom’s wisdom.