a need for a smile

two things made me smile this weekend

Saturday evening we were leaving the mall and ran into a friend.  A senior citizen who loves football and does not have a TV.   He was just leaving a nearby pub, had a burger and watched the UW game.
"I usually go to Nordstrom, men's department and watch there, but they could not get that channel"
We have seen him there a time or two. He brings some snacks, the sales staff know and like him and he enjoys a little football excitement. 
Makes me smile to think of this widower staying active and happy with a very simple "date"


Sunday morning, Sunday School.
Try to imagine a boys school, 40 years ago, taking honesty and discipline  very seriously.
During his first year in high school, he was surprised to see the teacher pass a magazine to each student.  His family did not have magazines in their home and he was overwhelmed with the Motorcycle issue that was handed to him.   He was thinking about how excited his younger brothers would be to see it and he decided to take it home. He slipped it into his school bag.
At lunchtime, his class was asked to stay behind.   He was horrified.  The boys lined up as the teacher and headmaster proceeded to meet each boy and open their school bag.  As they got closer, our friend bolted out of line and threw up his hand and told them he had taken the magazine. He was given the written punishment.  4 hits with the cane in the headmasters office, at 3:00 after school.
He tried desperately to find his older brother to tell him he would not be able to meet with him at 3:00 to walk home together.  He told him the circumstances.
At 3:00 our young man walked into the headmasters office.  The headmaster stood before him and told him.  " Your brother came to me and asked if he could take the punishment for you, but I told him no, it had to be given to the person who deserved it".     Four whacks, on his tender palm, ripping the skin. 
On the way home, a 3 mile walk, he asked his brother why he had done that. He said he did not want him to go through such an experience.

Rest of the story:  brother never told Mom, never told Dad and never received discipline in the headmasters office. 

( Smiling, but eyes swimming, thinking of a brother, so loving )


On his drive this morning, he was stopped by a police officer because he did not have his licence tabs updated.   He pulled out a package his wife had given to him with the note:
"Sweetie, don't forget to put on these tabs"
The officer asked how long he was married
Over 30 years
And your wife still calls you Sweetie?
Yes
Are you on your way to Church?
Yes,
More people should be going to church.
( no ticket this time )

I think I want to meet his wife.