Whenever I was in town, I used to be my dad's buddy to hop in the car with him and run errands...home depot, the post office, bank, 7-11, whatever was a 'quick stop' and then head back home to the family. It was never that exciting, but it was nice getting some one-on-one time with just my dad. And, wherever we stopped if there was anything I could ever want at one of these stops, it was put in the cart faster than I could bat an eye. I'm not talking big ticket items, more like gum, magazines, and candy bars.
I think I've officially been replaced by my son Ian. On Saturday morning Ian was the one to go with my dad to get fresh bagels and cream cheese for the gang back at home. On Sunday, Ian was the one to go with my dad to the grocery store to get the makings for french toast.
It happened as naturally as it had always been done this way. Dad came down the stairs from his bedroom, saw Ian dressed in clothes and said, "Ian, put your shoes on and come with me to get bagels." Ian didn't question it and happily followed my dad out the door. The next morning, the same thing. Reports came back that Ian even helped my dad show him where to find the eggs at the grocery store.
It was a bittersweet moment for me to know I've been replaced. I hope that Ian treasures these errands with my dad as much as I have over the years. It's the day to day, ordinary things that make it special.
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