Posted by My son called us a few days ago and told us that his car has a “dent” on the driver’s side door because of a “silly” accident. When he came home, I saw that it was more of a dent and would probably cause some money to repair. Knowing that he is a good kid, even though I am a little upset, I cannot get angry at my son. Below is an account when my son was just 2 years old, a post I wrote back in June 2010.
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Few years ago, I paid for a very expensive piece of plywood. How expensive? $200 for a small piece! Holy Iowa cow! Am I nuts? Here’s the story:
It was a Sunday, and my family drove to Walnut, Iowa, which is known for its antique shops. We were not looking for anything particular, we just want to look around.
After going in and out of so many stores, we entered one in particular that was full of antique mirrors. The mirrors were beautiful, but all of them were expensive. And there was this one that is heptagon-shaped, with exquisite hand painted decoration on the borders of the mirror, and was made in the 1940’s. It was sitting on the floor and was leaning against the wall. I looked at it, but it was not my type (meaning: too expensive). So I passed over it.
My son, who was 2 and half at that time, whom I was towing along, was being himself – hyperactive as always, as most small boys are. Then suddenly, it happened right before my eyes. My son while running down the hall (he miraculously escaped from my grip), accidentally swiped the mirror and it fell face down to the floor. The beautiful mirror was multiplied……… into several broken pieces that is!
The shop clerk came running when she heard the crash. She was unhappy, and that is an understatement. By the look on her face, I knew we have no chance of getting out of the store without a dear consequence.
I ended up paying for the mirror. $200 for a broken mirror. And since I paid for it, I decided to take home the board where the mirror was mounted. I did not take the broken sharp glass pieces, as they may cause more injuries to me, adding to my bad luck. Will I really have 7 years of bad luck, as claimed by old folks’ tale for breaking a mirror?
On our way home, I stayed calm and was not hard on my boy. It was an accident afterall. Why break a $200 Million child for a $200 broken mirror? Besides, I don’t believe in bad luck, and I already have countless blessings from this boy who broke the mirror.
I still don’t know what to do with that $200 piece of board. It still sits in our closet up to this day. Maybe someday I’ll figure out a way to turn it into something useful. And if not, it’s already worth priceless memories.
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Post Note 1: Did I already tell you that this “pricey” kid is now going to medical school this fall? Did I also tell you that he’s graduating B.S. Biochemistry this month with the highest Latin honor?
Post Note 2: I still don’t know what to do with that piece of board. Use it to cover the dent on my son’s car?