Several years ago Kara and I were at the movie theater watching previews when the little “turn off your phone” spot came on. Being part of the vanishing breed of folks that had children before cell phones, this was new territory for us. I turned mine off but noticed that Kara didn’t. She explained, “I’m keeping it on. If the kids are bleeding or something and try to call me, I am not going to worry about interrupting a movie. Forgive me but I’m a mother first.” The mama bear was angry. I was mildly afraid; I scooted over one seat. (She did set the ringer to vibrate only.)
Years later she has changed her mind. If there were a real emergency, the kids know to call 911. If it is a false emergency (e.g., quarreling, boredom, dietary indecision) they call her. I think that every movie she’s seen since ’03 has included at least one impromptu trip to the corridor.
“What? What is it? I’m at the movies!”
“I know we had dinner and all, but I’m kinda hungry.”
“Have a snack or something for pity’s sake!”
“I know but I don’t know what I should have.”
“How about pretzels?”
“Nah. What else do we have?”
“Why do I have to tell you? Are you not in the pantry looking?“
“Well, no, I’m in a beanbag chair watching TV and the masseuse is just finishing up. Wait, the commercials are ending. Gotta go. Bye.”
Yeah, I think it’s time to cut the wireless cord.
No comments:
Post a Comment