The Cradle of Democracy
There are four people in my home. Or should I say, four opinion makers. There are also two people under the age of eight in my home, and the opinions of those two people are often impossible to change.
For example: we were simply trying to pick up something to eat for dinner last Saturday. Gone, of course, are the days of sitting in restaurants for a meal.
I wanted Mexican (as usual), Boy One wanted chicken nuggets (always), Boy Two wanted Panera (typical). Mommy was flexible (we love her sportswomanship living with three males).
And so began the difference of opinions. He wants that, he wants the other thing.
Can we go there for that and here for the other thing? (My idea.)
No, we’re not going to two places to pick up food (Mommy’s words—and truly the ultimate decider, if we’re being honest here.)
Like the sex education talk, it’s never too early to introduce democracy. And so, we instructed the boys to work it out between the two.
Of course, no movement. Just like the two chambers of Congress.
So we held a primary. Tacos, Panera, Chicken, Salads, or burgers.
Eliminate one. Then another, then another.
Final two, then the vote.
Tacos it was. Mommy was the tie breaker. More votes win. It’s how it always works.
Later, at home, with our living room picnic watching Pixar’s latest achievement, Soul, the decision of where to eat now in the past, only the present moment mattered. Now that is progress.
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Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash
