That Is Our Story And We Are Sticking To It | By Val Enders

Hubby and I are perfectly matched. Not only am I blind, he’s deaf, so right there it’s a marriage made in heaven. Somehow when we’re in the car driving we get desperate for conversation it seems. We don’t talk about friends or family. Oh no, that would make too much sense, and for us that would be just plain normal.

The other day while driving we happened to notice that the car in front of us had decals on the back window. We’ve seen these before , the white stick people stickers that come with stick cats and dogs, and Mom , Dad, and the kids. Some are sports people, some are farmers, and some are wearing Mickey Mouse ears, (they must have gone to Disneyland, ya think?)

Out of the blue Hubby starts his commentary.

Hubby: “Why would anyone want to have five kids and a dog in this day and age?”

Me: Whaddya mean? Who are you talking about?

Hubby: Well look at the stickers on that car. They’ve got Mom, , five kids, and a cat and dog.” You don’t need that many kids these days. How are they going to support them?” And do you have any idea how much pet food costs these days?” Not to mention that you’d have to pick up all that doggie doo. At least the cat would bury his.

Me: I don’t think she’s married. Looks like the tall one next to her is her son. Probably a single mom trying to get by because that no good bum of a husband has skipped out on her. I’m guessing that she’s glad to be rid of him by the smile on her face.

Hubby: “Well maybe it just got too much for him. Supporting that brood must have driven him over the edge. Can you imagine the racket in that house when he comes home from work? Baby crying and dog barking, and probably no dinner because she’s been too busy with the kids. I can’t say I blame him for hitting the road.”

We continue to discuss the ins and outs of the stick family. What their religion must be, how old the kids are, which one is likely to do drugs, and a myriad of other issues we suspect this family will encounter.

Me: “ Hey I just noticed that there are no Grandparents stuck on that window!”

Hubby: “ You’re right. What do you think happened to them?”

Me: “ I don’t know but if they had the sense God gave them, they’d have left the country before the third baby.”

Suddenly I realize that we have actually been having a conversation. Granted it’s been a conversation that has taken place because of that goofy stick family on the back window of the car ahead of us, but by golly, it was a heck of an interesting exchange . Stopping behind their car at the next stop light, I can see the left turn signal flashing. The light changes and our surrogate family makes a turn and pulls out of sight. I raise my hand and give a tiny wave. Darn, I’m gonna miss those kids!

As for Hubby and me, we either have imaginations that are way to vivid, or we really need to get a life. Seriously.

Author Val Enders resides in Spruce Grove, Alberta. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard, and they’ve been together for over 40 years. Val doesn’t consider herself a writer by profession, rather she writes more for her own enjoyment. An accomplished artist, Val’s a member of the Allied Arts Council of Spruce Grove. Visit Val’s “Journey Into Art” website at www.vals.webs.com