Tricking and Treating: The Good, The Bad, and The Cranky

Trick or treat is a fun, exciting, and exhausting time for parents. The children are hyped up from the fun of wearing costumes and getting candy. The parents are sore, tired, and trying to figure out how to hide the candy later. Many residents are handing out treats, and many businesses are handing out goodies as well. Around here, almost every business is taking part in some way. The banks are doing "Trunk or Treat", gas stations, restaurants, and of course Wal-Mart, are all giving out treats to customers coming in.

So let me start this story from the beginning. We got the kiddos dressed up and in their outfits. We headed out to some friends houses to show off their costumes. Caleb had an impromptu play date with a girl, whom I believe has become his first crush. We went to see the kiddos Godmother and her family and the new baby in that household. As we started leaving there, we came to the judgement that Caleb and Marlee are now too cranky to keep going, so we would make a quick run into the grocery store, then head home for the night. Mommy and Daddy can only take so much more of that!

This is where we get to the main reason I wanted to write this post. We have already mentioned the "cranky" part. Now for the "bad". Do you see a reverse pattern to the post title? Oh, but I digress. Anyway, we pull up at the grocery store, and unpack the kids and try to make this seem like the most exciting thing in the world. Now there is a tobacco outlet right next to the store, and yes we have been there a few times. So, the clerk comes out to see the kids. She knows us so she just had to come see them in their outfits. She comes walking up, and says "Hi there! Aren't ya'll so cute? Here, let me give you some candy!" ... She stretches out her arms, as Caleb reaches his hand out. She opens up her palm and proceeds to give him two .... packs ... of ....... candy cigarettes. Now, this woman is nice, and sweet as can be. I don't think she is this ill advised in her mind, but still. Handing my 3 YEAR OLD son 2 packs of candy cigarettes?

I was speechless. Quickly, I just tried to get us inside before I lost the self control I have a hard enough time with. I am a parent who smokes. I have been trying to quit for quite some time, and I have lacked the self determination as of late. Caleb is old enough to know what a pack of cigarettes is and that he should NEVER have anything to do with them. So I walk through the store just dumbfounded at this poorly thought out idea. I am a bad enough influence for not having quit. I don't need someone handing my children "candy cigarettes" with a bright minded 3 year old who would associate what the packaging looks like. In the words of the totally rad Forrest Gump, "That's all I got to say ... about that."

The night was not a total mind blower, however. Getting back to groceries, we pick up some kiddo favorites and get ready to check out. I take Caleb and Marlee on out to the car while The Wifey is checking out. Upon check out, she realizes we have underestimated the cost of all the items, and need to just put a few back. She tells the cashier to take a few items off, it was no big deal. The cashier, who was dressed up as a hippie, tells her: "Oh don't worry about that ma'am. I'll cover it for you." WOW!!! She tells him he doesn't have to and he just smiles and says it is no problem, his pleasure. The "good" part of the night. I was absolutely thrilled, and immediately humbled by his random act of kindness. To "That Guy", thank you so much sir. You truly are a gentleman, and I tip my hat to you.

What a night, right? The kiddos had a blast tonight, and it delights me to the core to see them smiling and hear them laughing. Trick or treat, at least for us, is now over, and we can relax. The outfits will be hidden, and soon we will get them excited about the next big holiday. The air has grown chilly now, and dark has settled on this small town. I'll be headed off here now to complete the nightly routine of bed and bathtime, and prepare for some much needed downtime.

To all of you headed out Trick or Treating tomorrow, be safe, and be courteous. Have a Happy Halloween!