We've been having 'taggers' in our little neighborhood lately. I'm forever calling in the graffiti police to clean as soon as I spot anything when the pups and I walk....
We live in an older neighborhood and we love it. We do not want to see it ravaged by tagging or bad activity, so we're pretty diligent...and we live close to a park..one for summer concerts, kids swinging and a safe zone to sit and watch the kids play..
So when we arrived back home from dinner, we spotted a teen-aged kid, pants at half-mast, hat cockeyed on his head..in the street writing something on the pavement.
We watched for a minute and Mr. B said.."Hey, whatcha doin' young man?"
He stood up and yanked at his pants..but just didn't answer.
"Nothin'..just writing - it's chalk.."
"It's just chalk, man.."
There was something about his lack of concern..or lack of understanding..or lack of further explanation that kinda bothered us.
The kid
When he came back in he said the kid apparently was writing 'directions' to a girlfriend with arrows directing her to him at the park..
When they arrived back home, he told me he went to the park to find the kid. He was now with his girlfriend when Mr. B approached.
The kid looked hesitant..the girlfriend looked embarrassed.
Mr. B said " I may have overreacted back there.." and went on to explain we've seen some tagging in the area and we were concerned.
He then said, "When I was young and had a girlfriend I was trying to impress, I did some pretty silly things. I'm sorry."
Maybe today, on this pretty Sunday, both of these guys learned not to accept first impressions.
Is it any wonder why I love this guy??
Have an educational Monday..and go hug someone..or something..or hug the universe..
-me
19 comments:
Colleen . . . loved your post. I think it is commendable that your husband would seek out the young man and apologize and explain his concern for what the kid appeared to be doing . . . too many kids get in trouble for what a few really do . . . kids need to know taht adults are wrong sometimes and are willing to admit it . .
:) (I have called the police due to kids staying way toooo late in the park behind our house in the summer time. We all need to be aware . . . )
Love you both!
Connie J
Awww, what a *KEEPER* Mr B is....
I love him too!
Good lessen for all of us Colleen, thanks. But keep being diligent!
Oh, BLOG Anniversary goin on over here...come see (o:
You just can't judge a book by its cover, huh?
Didn't know this was called tagging, so thanks for the enlightenment. Praise to your hubby for seeking the kid out to appologize. Let's hope it made a favorable impression on him.
pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin' like a fool with pants on the ground! I am so glad this fashion was not in when my sone was in high school! I got caught up with you this morning. love your posts Colleen! You make me smile!
what a sweetheart he is...in fact both of them....that kid is a romantic for sure....I dont understand the saggy pants thing either...I always want to yank them down....
what a great example that cute man of yours is. i also judge very quickly those saggy pant boys, they drive me nuts- the pants, not the boys!
Hmmm, your hubby sounds like a sweet guy and all, but I would've taken the young man to task for writing in the street. It's not safe on a couple of levels...I'd go off the road trying to read it. Ha!
That was cool. Good heads up for all of us. After reading this, there is now a greater chance I might do something of the same kind.
peace
fm
What a great lesson for all of us. I know when I see kids doing things they shouldn't be, or showing total disrespect it's very hard for me to keep my yap shut. And this young man will probably remember forever Mr B's apology, and their meeting of the minds.
Congratulations to your husband. It takes a big man, to do that.
Good for him!
aww, i wish we lived near you and mr B. you two would be awesome neighbors!
sweet story about judging a book by its
cover.
This story is beautiful. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes.
It was so sweet what the boy was doing and it was so kind of your hubby to find him and apologize.
Thank you for this post.
You both picked good ones, you guys are a perfect match...not many would've done what Mr. B. did, they'd just shrug it of to 'teenagers'...hopefully the young man and his girlfriend will be moved to make a difference too...
Good job Mr. B!!!
That's awesome...a small action spoke miles!
your stories are heartwarming :) i'm a creative writing major myself and...you know how to site out a story when you see one. I love it! And at 21 years old...I am actually spoken about the same way you speak of your sister, crazy, I know! but I am just new to blogging myself. I will certainly follow you !
twistedtemper.blogspot.com
Very impressive--you've raised him well ;)
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