*I'd like to preface this post by stating that I'm striving diligently to raise my children with an awareness of the differences and diversity that make our world such an amazing place to live. I fall short sometimes. That's why I'm not the World's Greatest Mommy. Feel free to continue reading at your own risk.
My kids are Webkinz obsessed. We've got a wide collection of virtual bunnies, dogs, turtles, pandas, snakes, etc. My children do their homework so that they can spend time with their virtual pets. I encourage this, because I'm not a fan of real pets. They require effort by me, and I'm all effort-ed out most days.
A few nights ago, my husband did me a favor by tucking all the children in to bed. Bal was cradling his Webkinz lizard in his arms gently. His face was serious and concerned.
"Dad, this Webkinz is retarded," he told his father quietly and matter-of-factly.
My husband had no blessed idea what to say. He stared at Bal for a minute before responding.
"What?"
Bal answered insistently, "This Webkinz is retarded, so I have to take care of him." His hands reached down to gently stroke his little pet lizard.
Torn between correcting Bal's political correctness, wondering where his son would have heard that term used, and marveling at the sweetness displayed to the stuffed animal, my husband said nothing.
Bal continued, "Not just that, but the raccoon that Jare wanted is retarded too."
Finally finding words my husband asked, "The toys are retarded?"
Bal was a little impatient as he explained, "Yes daddy. Retarded...You can't get them anymore. That's why we have to take good care of them."
Understanding and relief dawned on my husband's face. "Oh, retired. The lizard and raccoon are retired."
Bal nodded his head and went to sleep with his lizard.
And although there aren't any mentally challenged Webkinz in our home that I know of, it's nice to know that everybody is welcome here.
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13 comments:
That is hilarious!
Oh...that's funny. Your kids sound so sweet!!
I love stories like this. The other day we were walking home from conference and a guy walking very fast passed us. Luke said, "Man, he is flying." Kiersty, looking up at the sky, said, "Where?" Good clean comic relief! We love our kids don't we!
They are so sweet. It is funny, and very honest of them too.
Bahaha! That is great. When I started reading I didn't know what to expect for the ending. :)
This was a great post. Very cute... Very wise husband you have there... taking time to respond, I am sure a million thoughts were running through his head.
Cute kiddos!
I re-read that three times and it kept making me chuckle. :)
Oh I GIGGLED at this and I marveled at his sweet tender care. Love that!
My kids are Webkinz obsessed too. I would have died laughing if this happened in our house. Cute story!
Ha ha ha ha! Oh, I laughed at this. Kids are so wonderful, and the things they come up with just adds to the wonder.
I needed a laugh this morning. Thanks for sharing.
Kids are so funny!
ok sweetie, I just snorted and laughed out loud, then out loud some more, then more, then read it to my husband. it's also such a great lesson to just keep asking.... :) hope your health improves. we're the same age...i'll be 31 in january. loves to you.
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