by Mark Ball
A solid work ethic is a true virtue. Even as they spoiled me, my parents somehow managed to implant a strong desire to work inside of me. My first job was paperboy at age 14, and I’ve never not worked since then.
It is like I wear a long work week as a badge of honor. Thankfully, my wife and my children are endlessly patient and forgiving with me. But then there are moments in which, maybe even unwittingly, they jar me back into an understanding of what is truly important.
My most recent reality check came as we experienced a rash of birthdays at the Ball house over the last month. Molly, our eldest, became even older hitting the big 11. Following suit, my first boy turned 10. Our baby girl turned four the next day and the baby, baby will celebrate his first birthday on Monday.
It has been a blur of birthday cake, presents and family get togethers. More than a couple times during this recent string, Leslie has caught me checking the time, and planning my exit strategy to get back to work. There is just so much to do.
Wanting me to spend some uninterrupted time with Riley, our new 10 year old, Leslie bought tickets for me, Riley and two of his buddies to go to a Razorsharks basketball game. So, Sunday the boys loaded into the back of the van and we were off on our guycation. We weren’t even all the way out of the driveway when I was struck by just how much I had been missing.
Who knew that 10-year-old boys were the funniest people in the world?
As soon as they were buckled in side-by-side-by-side they began a conversation that never ended all the way to the restaurant, through lunch, to the arena, through the game and until the last one was dropped off back at home.
Who knew that 10-year-old boys know a little bit about absolutely everything?
I believe it was ninjas. Yep. Ninjas were the first topic of discussion, which rolled nicely into Disney pre-teen dramas. After catching up on plots to shows that I can’t believe are even real, they went into wireless internet service and which one based on the commercials was probably the best. From there it was remedies for dry skin, ultimate fighting and plans for life after college.
One will win the lottery. One will own a sports franchise. One will go into community service, although he knows there isn’t a lot of money to be had in that field.
The three-way conversation never broke, never slowed down, never even paused to come up for air.
Who knew that 10-year-old boys were this great to spend an afternoon with?
I didn’t. But now I do.
And I hope I can remember that a strong work ethic can come in handy when you have a house full of children who all have so much to share.
