Sam and Ian have a bit of a competition going on between them. They are taking delight in seeing who can go to Panera Bread for lunch more times without the other one being there. It's funny that this is what they are bickering over. When we pick Ian up from school, before he can even close his car door, Sam will say to her brother, "I went to Panera Bread for lunch and you didn't" You can imagine how this makes Ian feel and thus the need to even the score on the rare occasion Sam has school and Ian doesn't.
After Sam's appointment with the latest doctor, we found ourselves in Herndon, at lunch time, with a Panera Bread within walking distance. Sam saw this Panera Bread from the parking lot and it was a no-brainer where we were headed after the appointment. We walked in at the height of the lunch rush and took our place in line. The line, incidentally, was about 35 people deep and went out the door. Yowzer! Sam and I were the ONLY ONES not wearing a business suit. We were the ONLY MOTHER/CHILD combo. Every single person (other than us) in the crazy-packed Panera Bread was a working professional. Sam did great waiting in line with me and fortunately, it was only about 10 minutes before we made our way to the front. The guy next up in line, saw the wave from the employee that he could go up and order, turned around and said to me, go on ahead. We should take his place in line and be just a little closer to getting our food. He was helping out a mom with a young child and did the gentlemanly thing. It was very refreshing!
Unlike close to 3 years ago, when we had a group of about 5 moms and 12 young kids (all age 5 yrs and younger) eating at a Panera Bread, right after blueberry picking. We got lucky and found a bank of empty tables that were all next to each other. This would allow our whole group to sit together and eat lunch. It was perfect with the exception of one lone guy sitting at the end of one of the tables. There were other tables available at Panera Bread. You would think that this guy would've gotten a clue and offered to move to a different table. But no, he literally sat there while our group of moms and kids crowded together, practically sitting in each other's laps, so this guy could have his 4 top all to himself. It was really something else to see him just sit there and continue to eat.
In both situations, I think back to the men in my life and wonder what they would've done. Without hesitation, I can tell you that my dad would have not only given up his place in line for a mom and her small child, but without any prompting he would've moved his food and himself to a nearby available table. That's just the way he is. No need to even ask if this would be his inclination to do.
However, after both experiences, I came home and posed the same situations to Jeff and asked him what he would've done. I know that deep down Jeff has it in him to do the right thing. However, it would probably take that person asking him and suggesting it first. Jeff can be a bit oblivious (he'll admit this himself). He has a huge heart and would do what he can to help others. I know this and have seen him in action. I only hope that we are raising a son with the same kindness instincts.
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