all tied up...revisited

Earlier this week I blogged about the church/dress code/tie requirements at the youngster's school. It turned out they didn't have church on the first day of school. He was one of about 4 boys in his class who came dressed for it anyway.

It was with this knowledge that we were off this morning in the daily car pool ritual. Among my charges is a 7th grade boy, who came running out more-or-less dressed. He had on his shirt and pants, but was carrying his belt and tie.

So the youngster asked him, why the button down shirt and tie.

"We have Mass today. Where's your tie?"

The youngster looked at me, in his polo shirt (the usual daily uniform), he eyes pleading for me to believe him, but at the same time, trying to convince himself. You could see the wheels turning in his head, trying to think of anything he may have missed.

"Dad, nobody said anything about church today. I've been paying attention and I don't remember Ms. Teacher saying anything about it."

If you've been reading here for long, you know we struggle with ADD, and the youngster is notorious for this sort of thing. We had discussions before this school year started, and all resolved to do better and help him do better this year.

He was looking forlorn, and rationalizing..."Well, it'll only happen this once. I haven't done this in a long time. You only get in trouble if you always forget, and some kids do. I shouldn't get in trouble."

From the back...the sing-song-y taunt. "Ooooohhhh, you're in troooouuuuuuublllllllle."

The back and forth went on for most of the 20 minute trip.

So we drive up to school and the youngster gets this huge smile on his face. There's only one kid in the immediate area sporting a tie, and he's in my back seat.