Is This Mike On?

Normally, I would pass him by and move on to my other duties. After all, it’s his responsibility and he needs to complete it on time or else. That’s what they teach you in Taskmaster 101.

No fights to break up at home. No arguments about clothes. You hear the late-night conversations in their rooms and think all is well.

Parenting lectures from your wife don’t carry college credit.

You realize they talk about you, dads. And not always in a good way.

My intent was not to teach a lesson, only to have fun and embarrass my wife.

Then the question came.

“Dad, how do the northern lights get their color?”

“Do you want me to read you a story?” I asked.

I thought I knew what Spencer would say. I thought he would politely shake his head no, or just say “not a chance.”

I can tell you about why I always say the wrong things (global warming) and why they made Norbit. (It seemed a better option that waterboarding at the time.)

For some reason, I didn’t open the door.