Today’s Thought “Looks Like We Made It!” G. Ward

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Esoteric to every village throughout America when I was a kid; existed the retail store that specialized more in segmented commodity vs. a general selection of most goods representative of everyday living. Such was the case in Detroit’s Highland Appliance store (located on Woodward Ave. – Highland Park). In the days where an unspoken command existed from parents to children regarding behavior when arriving at a retail outlet, my brother and me accompanied our Mother to this store as she sought purchasing an air conditioning unit (window model); in the days of central air being uncommon (imagine that young people?). As we Cavemen entered the store, my brother’s eyes quickly gravitated to a sight of epic proportion (it’s important he get the blame – he’s a year older). There was a lady awaiting what appeared to have been the city bus at the foyer of that same store. The day was very hot and humid and she was vastly overweight (not as common then vs. today), seeking shelter in this air-conditioned place (in the day where courtesy was extended whether trade occurred or not). Our Mother became occupied with a salesman giving us carte blanche to explore (without going too far). Both of us unquestionably decided to attend what we esteemed as the Side Show (relevant to a carnival of sorts) upon our entry. We stood in this woman’s presence marveling at her size. We laughed hysterically and uncontrollably. This woman had enough of this disrespectful behavior and replied, “Keep it up and both of you are going to be smacked!” Our grin became chagrin as we walked away perplexed at how mean she was (Imagine that?). I’ve grown some since then. It’s primarily due to a forced reconciliation, in that now the children are laughing at me. From the days of it being permissible to discipline other’s children; I, on the other hand just have to remain silent (you better not say anything to someone’s child)…

Happy Throwback Thursday!