What Is A Hero? (Alternate title: Why Are People Assholes?)

June 1, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

This was such a wonderful post from Dan Alatorre, I simply had to share. An excellent post. If you enjoyed it as much as I did and it moved you, or made you think – give a shout out to Dan.

DAN ALATORRE

head shot 2 Your humble host

Last weekend, I went to the city that is known for being the highest tourist attraction city in the world. We went to two of the world’s most popular theme parks.

I won’t name them because the parks themselves are irrelevant. (One is Magical and the other is Sea themed, okay?)

It’s the people we met at the parks that are relevant.

At the first magical park, we had a blast and were finally leaving, waiting in line for the mass transit system to take us to the parking lots. As you might guess, at the end of a long, hot Florida day, the crowds were thick and the people were tired. We were leaving kinda early because we and our friends wanted an early dinner for our young children. I mention that because it was not 9 PM or 11 PM. This place does not serve…

View original post 1,883 more words

Lucky Kids

August 3, 2013August 10, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

It isn’t often I stop another man in public and offer him a compliment, especially when my husband is with me. But a few days ago, I witnessed something that impressed me and I couldn’t let the moment pass.

While shopping for a housewarming gift, I heard the unmistakable sound of merchandise tumbling from the shelf on the aisle next to me. Grateful it wasn’t me knocking things over, I ignored the commotion until a blur rushed by. The next words and the tone of concern piqued my interest.

“Honey, are you all right?”

I peeked over the shelves in time to see a rather large man rush to the side of a young preteen girl. Her reply was too low for me to hear, but she looked relieved.

He patted her back. “It’s okay, nothing broke.” His voice was gentle. “Let me help you.” He knelt beside her and together they returned each item to its rightful place. He stood, smiled, gave her a reassuring pat on the back, and moved away, leaving her to shop on her own, once again. He left her with no words of reproach or caution to watch what she was doing. He headed in my direction to resume his own shopping as if nothing had happened.

I thought of the many times I’d witnessed other children in similar situations and the reaction of other parents. The small child smacked on their tiny hand, bottom, or jerked away from the store shelves for simply mimicking mommy. The angry and frustrated mother,”I told you not touch!”

The language changes as children grow but the reaction is often the same.”Get away from there. If you break that it’s coming out of your allowance. Do you think I’m made of money?”

Much like the economy, patience is running thin in families across our nation. Our society is in turmoil to the point we are now debating the meaning of family, but as I observed this stranger with his daughter it was clear to me this man was an active, involved father and he understood completely the meaning of family. He gave me hope.

“Excuse me, Sir,” I said. Replacing an item on the shelf, he turned to me.
“Yes?” His smile was warm and welcoming. Faint crows feet crinkled in curiosity, as he looked right at me. I could see why his daughter felt safe.

“I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with how you handled your daughter’s mishap a few minutes ago. So often, I see parents get angry with their children when something like that happens, but your first concern was for your daughter, not the merchandise. It was wonderful to witness such parental love and patience. He seemed surprised.

“Why thank you, but we have five children, we’re used to seeing lots of things get broken.” He chuckled.

“Well, I just thought you should know, you’re a great example for fathers.”

“Thank you. I do my best.”

“Lucky kids,” I said, walking away.

To Daughter’s Everywhere: Mother’s Words of Wisdom

May 12, 2013August 10, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

To every daughter who ever uttered the words, “I’m never going to be like my mother,” I hate to break the news to you. It will happen, sneaking up on you when you least expect it. Those famous last words will come rushing back and kick you in the rear.You know what I’m talking about. Memories of having to cut your own switch, you swore NEVER to use corporal punishment.

So, you bought a cute little time-out chair. You gloated over your parenting skills until the little angel reached her third birthday and decided she could out last you. Exhausted and patience long gone, the first nugget rolled off your tongue. “Do you want a spanking?” After that, the challenge was on. The little darling tested every resolve you ever made and your mother’s words tumbled out faster than water over a damn.

“Because I said so, that’s why.”
“Wait till your father gets home.”
“If you fall and break a leg, don’t come running to me.”
“Don’t you use that tone with me.”
“Don’t get smart with me.”
“If all your friends jumped off of a bridge, would you?”
“You better stop that crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
“I don’t care what the other kids parents told them, I said no.”
“I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.”
“Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been.”
“Don’t make me come in there.”
“Go to your room and don’t come out.”
“I pray to God, you grow up and have a houseful just like you.”

But, the clincher happened when your teenager rolled her eyes at you for the first time and the world spun on its axis.“You roll your eyes again at me, and I will smack them into tomorrow.”

With her words reverberating in your ears, you run to the mirror horrified at the “mommy jeans “ and worn tee shirt you’re wearing and notice for the first time, the crow’s feet, and the hint of gray hairs. “Oh My God!” The reflection of your mother stares back.

Relax, acting like your mother happens to all of us. Blame genetics, after all, you’re fifty percent her or imagine she passed on to you her secret words of wisdom. Children didn’t come with a parent’s manual and although helpful, Dr. Spock and the other how-to- books are nothing more than quick start guides. After those beginning years, you’re pretty much spitting in the wind and flying by the seat of your pants. You can’t prepare for this wild ride of love between a mother and her child, but words of wisdom tucked away for just the right time are priceless.

So, on Mother’s Day salute your mother, give her a call and thank her for all the words of wisdom she has imparted to you. If you haven’t used them you will, and while you’re at it, you might want to find out a little bit more about her favorite bush. Do you have any favorite words from mom? I’d love to hear them. Leave me a comment.