I have a B.A. in English Literature. That doesn’t mean I can write, have good grammar, or spell really well. It does mean that I read a lot. I am a student of the human story and the eclectic characters wrapped up in that story.
All beloved characters have some kind a quirk. Something they always say or a particular gesture no one else does quite the same: Gomer Pyle’s “Well Gawlee!” and Joey (of Friends) “How you doin’?” to name a couple. These quirks are endearing. They make that character lovable.
So I decided that I needed a quirk. Something I would say just to my kids that would make them roll their eyes and supress a smile. Something that I could whisper to my daughter as I’m dropping her off at college or walking her down the aisle. Something that would make her smile, chuckle, and tear-up all at the same time.
I thought long and hard about the perfect saying. Finally, after months of deliberation, it just came to me.
“Don’t eat bugs!”
This is how it happend: I drive my daughter to school everyday. The older kids greet us in the driveway to help the younger students in and out of their cars. Parents shout, “I love you!” and kids yell, “I’ll see you after school.”
One day, just to mix things up a bit, I yelled, “Don’t eat bugs!” Her reaction was exactly what I was looking for – mortification, eyes rolling, and a chiding “Daddy!” Perfection! I found my quirk!
“Don’t eat Bugs!” everyday when I drop her at school.
“Don’t eat Bugs!” in the note I wrote when she left for camp.
“Don’t eat Bugs! right before I leave on a business trip.
“Don’t eat Bugs (or kiss boys who do)!” when she eventually goes on her first date.
“Don’t eat Bugs!” when I leave her at college.
“Don’t eat Bugs!” as I walk her down the aisle.
And when I hold my first grand baby I will whisper ever so softly, “Don’t eat Bugs!”
Do you have a quirk? Does someone in your family have a quirk that makes you smile? I’d love to hear about it.
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"You smell like a monkey!"
And we end up laughing, every time.