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Hey Dad,

Ever have one of those father moments when right out of the blue you get a big "thwack" right across the head with the proverbial 2x4? I had one of those the other evening.

We had just gotten back from another round of traveling, and we were all tired. It was going to be a pizza and video night. Unfortunately, the library was closed which ruled out a free video, but I announced that I'd drive the 45 seconds to the Milford video store to rent a video.

Besides, I could use the five minutes of peace and quiet. Quickly, I made my way to the door.

"I wanna go wiff you," Abe (3 yrs. old) said.

"Not this time Abe," I said. "I'll just be gone a few minutes … and besides, you don't have your shoes on." In one fluid movement, I opened the door, slid out, and closed it behind me.

I could hear Abe crying on the other side, "I wanna go wiff Daddy." My heart was unmoved.

That's when the "thwack" came. It took me back to a dreary day in Duluth, MN, where my friend Bob said that dads should never go anywhere without taking along a child for the ride.

I agreed. It is a good way to avoid temptations. That's not what he meant.

"I mean you should never go anywhere without taking along a kid," he said emphatically. "Never ever. Even if you're just going to the hardware store, you need to take along a kid. Because great things happen in the car."

All that went through my head when the "thwack" came. I did an about–face, walked back in the door, and said to my wet–cheeked son, "Come on Abe, you can go with me."

Now, don't read too much into this. We didn't have any meaningful discussions. In fact, I'm not sure he even talked … except to ask for candy.

But we were together, and that's what mattered.

Truth is, some of my best fatherly memories are car rides with one of my kids, whether it's a deep conversation with Ben, giggles with Sam, or tender hand holding with my little princess. Bob was right—great things happen in the car.

So, Dad, consider this e–mail a "thwack." Whenever you get in the car, try to take one of your kids with you. It'll be inconvenient, but you'll be glad you did.

You 'da dad!

[Todd]

©Copyright Todd Wilson, 2004. Used by permission.

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