king_of_skulls

Ah, Chuck E. Cheese.......
I started this adventure thinking "when am I going to learn to keep my big mouth shut?" I forget that when you promise a child something, they dont forget, they just let it slide until they detect a weakness in their parents resolve, then they spring it on you, at just the precise moment when you would look like a total tyrant if you said "no". My darling little angel waited until the moment when her mother was giving me 'what for' over something or another, then she looked up and said "Daddy, remember you promised that we could go to Chuck E. Cheese?".
Trapped like a rat in a corner. I smiled and said whatever you want my child. I could tell that the teachers and my ex were already envisioning the hell that I would have to endure at that hole. We get there and after 50 bucks spent on food, drinks and the all mighty tokens (which incredibly enough is stronger than the U.S. dollar right now) the ticket hoarding began. Its tough on a parent when things that the kid couldnt do not even six months ago they excel at now, I want a pause button for my kid's growth because I see my own mortality coming at me like a freight train. Twenty minutes into the ordeal I wanted to curl up in the corner and stick 10 penny nails in my ears to get rid of the sounds of that infernal rodent and his back up singers massacring the songs I hold so dear.
But alas, in the midst of the kiddy chaos, 2 wondrous events took place. First, a highly anticipated though unfortunately short phone call from an extraordinary friend that totally made my night (and even though I was embarrassed as to my whereabouts, I did in fact admit it). Secondly, I watched as my daughter and another little angel her age formed a temporary yet incredibly strong friendship in the course of a few seconds. I watched in amazement as they played for a bit, introduced themselves and then took each others hands and started walking thru Chuck E's like they were queens of the domain. How wonderful it must be to live life the way a child does, to not have walls up that dont let others in, to trust others as family without question, to just be able to interact without all the bullshit that is learned from society dictating your every move. They were simply appreciating each other for what they were, kids. Laughing and playing like two age old friends without any cares or fears preventing them from having the time of their life. I was indeed embarrassed at my attitude earlier, and humbled yet again by a couple of 4 year olds. Wouldnt it be great if there was no reason to ever have to teach a child not to trust other human beings? Man, what a world that would be.
So when it was time to leave, i watched as she gave her tickets to another kid, her tokens to yet another kid, and stood at the prize counter staring at this blue lip balm. Let me tell you, i didn't mind handing over the 20 dollars and adding a few more items to her modest little list of prizes. She never ceases to amaze me.
Next time you guys are somewhere where you feel out of place and miserable, I hope that you can close your eyes and just envision this story and feel a little better about things, and remember, if we are ever out on the town and hanging out, dont be surprised if I throw my arm around you and start skipping down the road by your side, laughing like a maniac, damning the torpedoes, full speed ahead.

Much human love to you all.