Ice Cubes

Twenty-five degrees and falling outside and I'm bringing Sam to a pool party. Granted it's indoors but still... we have to go back outside at some point. And since Sam can't swim, I'll be suiting up as well.

I shouldn't complain too much. Sam had a birthday party several years ago at the same place and that was in the middle of a blizzard. I was grateful that a few brave souls came to his party so that it wasn't a total bust. So, it's the least I can do for this friend of his.

Besides, I can't imagine a bigger disappointment for a kid than looking forward to a birthday party and then nobody showing up... but still....

We head out and I can see Sam's thinking the whole way. As we pull into the parking lot, Sam says, "I'm not sure I want to go into the pool. It's not really my thing."

I try to contain my excitement. Swimming is not my thing either. Swimming and then going out into the freezing cold is even less my thing.

"Well Sam", I say, "That's up to you. Birthdays are supposed to be about having fun. If not going swimming is whats fun for you, that's up to you." I try to say this in the calmest voice I can muster. I try to sound like this is no big deal. It's all I can do to not high five him.

We get the present, go inside and have a fine time.

And we both stay dry.