D-Man has grown quite fond of rap. It seems to define a lot of his generation...which scares the daylights out of me, by the way.
But over the last week and into this one, he's been doing a lot of wrapping.
Earlier this school year, we enrolled D-Man in the Explorer's Program, a Manatee County's Sheriff's deal for kids in middle and high school. They're supposed to learn about what's involved in being an officer of the law. Since the D-Man has talked on and off for years about being a police officer, this seemed to be a perfect introduction for him. [There are some aspects of the program I've been pretty disappointed in, but that's another story.]
As an opportunity for volunteerism (and of course to earn money for the organization), participating kids are wrapping Christmas gifts at the mall. D-Man has volunteered for quite a few shifts, and he likes it. Since we're not big on letting him just hang out at the mall unsupervised, this is a way we can both get what we want. He can stroll down to the food court and get lunch when it's slow, and we (presumably) have the assurance that he's not in a situation where either judgement or safety is compromised.
I like the stories of what he's been wrapping. D-Man seems to enjoy the variety of people and the gifts they've selected. As he describes it: "iPods, iPads, coats, even stuff from Victoria's Secret, crock pots, LOTS of bathrobes..."
His favorite gift was brought to the counter by a man who is planning to propose to his girlfriend on Christmas Day. D-Man said he stood there for so long trying to adjust the position of the ring in its box to make sure it was perfect. He checked in with D-Man for reassurance and D-Man told him he had a good feeling she was going to say yes.
Isn't that cute? He's a charming kid. I delight in knowing that he put the final touches on a gift that will change two lives. Good grief...I hope she says yes.
6 comments:
I proposed to my ex on Christmas day. Prolly won't do that again. I am glad to read even a youngster can wrap gifts. B/c I'm not any good at it.
Lovely little tale
Aw how sweet and charming! The kind of thing I like reading before the holidays - puts you in a 'lovabale' spirit!
Glad D-Man enjoys it too, I'm thinking it might be a good lesson in psychology too. After all, interacting with and observing strangers can teach one a lot.
What a sweet story!
Hello - cool! I abso love wrapping presents so nice to know the young'n is taking up the fabulous ritual. Wrapping is a very highly regarded skill in Japan (the origami influence), just by the way. The story of the ring is quite moving and lovely.
Awe, I hope she says yes, too! And later in life, there will be a lady delighted that your son knows how to wrap gifts!
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