The innocence of a child...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 09:27AM Because I care about all of you who enjoy a Starbucks treat once in a while, I thought I'd share an experience that happened several months ago. I told the story to a few friends, but it's worth repeating, if merely a reminder that you should really think twice before using things that aren't safety wrapped and sealed.
On our way home from soccer practice one evening, as a rare and special treat, I took our kids to Starbucks (located in our local grocery store) for a Frapachino. After ordering, the kids stood quietly watching the baristas do their thing. I turned my back on the counter for just a few moments to browse at some reading glasses (which I will soon need) while the kids continued to wait patiently for their treats. After browsing ever so briefly, I turned back around to check on the drinks. Nothing yet. I noticed Colton standing by the counter holding a small, smooth stick that I could not immediately identify. There he was, quietly bent over at the waist jamming the little stick down his sock and into his shoe to scratch his obviously itchy foot. As I moved another step closer, he removed the small stick from his sock and politely stuck it BACK into the bin of wooden coffee stirrers. I only realized what was happening AFTER it was too late.
I was struck with the reality that he's certainly not the first child to think of this clever use of the "stir stick". I'm sure little boys have itches in lots of places. To us adults, these little wooden popsicle sticks are obviously meant for stirring our drinks. To a six year old boy with an itch, they look like wonderful tools to help scratch hard-to-reach places.
It was a great teachable moment and after I explained the situation to Colton, he was amazed that anyone would put a little stick into their coffee. Ahhh...the simple innocence of youth. It reminded me to smile and not take things too seriously. Most importantly, it reminded me to take the time to see life through the eyes of a child.
Reader Comments (2)
What a great story. I physically laughed out loud. LOL. Boy will I think twice about the stir sticks
I'm glad it made you chuckle, Louie! I remember that I was horrified and amused all at the same time. It still makes me laugh, that's for sure.