posted by Shelley
Every couple weeks I get my nails done. Styles on You is right in the middle of town, and the view out the window where I spend that hour is the carry out liquor store. Now to preface this post, I have nothing against having a drink so long as driving isn’t involved. I’ve been known to have a drink myself on occasion, but what I saw today is something I’ve never done.
Looking out the window, I see 2 little girls, warmly dressed in pastel colored coats with their hoods pulled tightly around their chins. I would guess the children to be maybe 3 or 4 years-old. They were walking playfully with their Mother and stop — guess where. All the patrons of the beauty shop watch as the Mother walks into the carry-out liquor store. The 2 little girls stand together outside, peering intently into the window — waiting and watching as their mother makes a purchase. Someone said this is a ritual that happens several times a week.
I’m far from perfect and have made more than my share of mistakes — but I always tried to make the best decisions when it had anything to do with my son. Heck – I wouldn’t allow beer in the refrigerator until he was in high school! I know for a fact that Ben remembers some of the things that happened to us during his formidable years that I am sorry he had to experience. Yet, I can promise you he never saw me drinking, nor was he left standing alone as I purchased alcohol.
I’m sure that so very many children experience things that are drastically worse than what I saw today, but I can’t get those 2 little girls out of my head. They most likely won’t remember that they were dressed warmly, but I would bet they will remember all the times they walked to the liquor store to watch their Mom purchase booze — their little faces peering in a window beside a sign that says, ‘COLD BEER TO GO.’
