A Cold Shower

One of my supreme delights as a teenager was to catch my brother unaware and pour a huge cup of ice cold water over his head while he showered. I particularly enjoyed abusing Bryan during wintertime. But you know what they say about payback? Boy, was he better at assailing me while off guard! Bryan and I mastered the stealth secrets necessary to sneak up on one another successfully. Our goal was not only to terrify each other BUT to use torture tactics. It added to the fun! It was a running gag we played on each other for years and years.

I have told my kids these things. They knew that Uncle B and I LOVED to scare each other while lying in wait somewhere. I tell them stories about me at their age so that they will know that I understand how hard it is too be good :), I am not THAT old. Anyway, yesterday Peter ran straight into my arms protesting, "Not my momma! Not my momma!". The fierce way he clung to me was endearing. Then his naughty brothers and sisters ran up to us, giggling. Not one of them can keep a secret--so the story spilled out. Kate devised a scheme in which they would collaborate to pour ice water over my head while I showered. They assumed Peter would go along with their mutiny. Not my boy. My noble, knightly two-year old protected me from his traitorous siblings. I wonder what kind of funny business Bryan and I would have pulled off if we had more mischievous minds to connive with? It's a good thing Mom and Dad just had the two of us. I think Bob and I may be in trouble.