Member-only story
His Dad has ‘Gumption!’
And Jonathan loves his Dad!
Work for pocket money.
14-year-old Jonathan visits monthly to see if the old folks at the Square need anything done around the house, like mowing, weeding, help clean out the garage for pocket money.
So, to make conversation, I ask Jonathan how his parents are, meaning healthwise.
And this is Jonathan’s response;
“ I guess they will do better if my Mom stops nagging at my Dad. But my Dad is super smart. He never lets my Mom’s bossiness get him down. Like last night, Mom got into a conniption fit because sometimes Dad forgets to turn the hall light off on his way upstairs to bed.
So, my Dad got out his tools & installed a timer switch on the light; problem solved!
When Mom gets cranky, he encourages her to take deep breaths. Then, he offers her a chocolate - her favorite kind, & dances the waltz with her in the kitchen. Mom laughs & calls Dad silly.
My Dad always seems to be one step ahead, avoiding things that will irritate my Mom. I love him for that. Therefore, I call it ‘gumption’ instead of common sense! My Dad is resourceful in many other matters at home. His motive is, ‘prevention is better than cure.’
