Talking to each other.

Andy, Turner and I are on a journey to Sam’s to pick up lunch-packing supplies in preparation for the start of school. Turner wants to play his Nintendo. “Hey buddy, let’s wait to play your game until we get to Sam’s. You can play it while Dad and I do the shopping.” He protests. I try again. “Well, we don’t really get to spend much time together as a family. And even though running errands is not an ideal way to be together, it counts. So let’s talk to each other on the way to Sam’s and get caught up with each other. Then when we get there you can play your game. Compromise?” He concedes, “Okay. Then let’s talk.” So we do. At first we do the usual, ask Turner a question. Listen to his answer. Think of another question to ask to get him talking. He tells us about video game characters and relays life stories to us about them. We nod and do the “uh huh” tradition. Around about Alvernon and River (10 minutes from the house), Andy and I get into a conversation about the week’s plan and the business of organizing a too-busy household. Another five minutes down the road and Turner says, “Are we EVER going to get to Sam’s?” We are turning on Stone, the road Sam’s is on. “Yes, we are almost there buddy.” “Good, I’m getting tired of you guys already.”