Gosh. I’m a little ashamed of myself.
I try to keep an open mind and greet others with love and kindness, but it’s been brought to my attention that I have a great big judgement sticker hanging out inside my head.
I’m sure in some ways we all do, because we’re all raised with beliefs that we truly believe. Even if no one else does.
It happens in religion (Christian, Muslim, Jewish? None of the above?), sexuality (nature or nurture?), finances (do you really have to pay your credit card bill off every month?) and about every other area that we can grab hold of a strong opinion and back it up with a few facts and a lot of emotion.
Well, here I was, ready to do my act of kindness for the day, by hiring the teenage son of a family friend to detail my dirty minivan.
This kid is going to be a junior in high school. Every interaction I’ve ever had with him has been pleasant. He’s respectful, interesting to talk with and makes eye contact.
However, he’s a teenage boy.
I’ve known lots of teenage boys. In a few years I’ll even have a few.
Teenage boys like to sleep. And eat. And sit on the couch. With electronics.
Am I right?
No. Actually I am not.
You see, this particular teenage boy, named Alex, came over to my house with a vacuum, an arsenal of cleaning supplies and a box of Q-tips.
When he said he was going to detail my minivan, he meant business.
Three and a half hours later, he stepped into my house soaking wet.
“Is it raining outside?” I naively asked.
“No.” He answered.
The light dawned and I realized it was sweat. This kid was ringing wet from cleaning my car!
I was speechless when I walked out into the garage. My 2010 minivan never looked so good. It could have passed for a 2012 if it weren’t for all the dents.
I paid Alex and asked him to come back the next day and do the other car. It’s a 2004 but now looks like a 2006 (again, a dent issue).
So, I guess this is my apology letter to Alex and all the other teenage boys out there.
Yes, there are middle-aged women who think you are lazy, but we are wrong. You are smart and capable and hard-working and I’m awfully glad you’ll be in charge when I’m sitting in my rocker.
Go get em. I’m cheering you on.
P.S. If you’re in the Athens, OH area and need a car detailed, I highly recommend Alex. Send me a message and I’ll send you his info.
