The Boy Teacher and the Father Student # 55 Why? Why Not?

“I want to take this robot apart.” “Why?” “Because why not?”

Sometimes the reason for doing something is because there is no reason not to do it. I find myself doing things for the wrong reason. Better if I just did it for no reason maybe. Many would call me a hedonist. That is OK by me. I just happen to get pleasure and joy out of most everything I do. In between writing and stuff today I am going after my stove top and kitchen floor. They are starting to sparkle. Maybe I do it to make my wife happy which makes me happy. Seeing yourself in a reflection from your stove is way cool.

But I admit I like to do it because clean is cool to the rule. (Remember that is coming from a guy who camps in the dirt weeks out of the year ;-) I even think taking a bath/shower every day is irresponsible to nature. Washing off with a washcloth is just fine. Watering the garden will work and of course we love to lather up in the rain.

F: Son how did you do on those State Standardized Tests?

B: They do not tell us for a few weeks.

F: Really? Why?

B: Our teachers do not get to grade them, they might cheat to get more money or something.

F: Wow, and the folks who grade them will not cheat so they get more money or something?

B: I didn’t think of that. Hey could they make my score not so good so someone else’s could be better?

F: Why not?

B: Because that would suck! Like raw eggs.

F: Better we think everyone is honest and get disappointed sometimes than to start out thinking folks are bad.

B: I love it when you do bad. I get to laugh at you and rub it in your nose.

F: Maybe rub it in my face I think is what we say but why not nose, I like it.

B: How come you do that? You know something is the right way. But the wrong way is OK sometimes? Doing wrong is bad.

F: I like that but the answer is easy. Just because people say that one way is the right way doesn’t mean it is. And the same with the wrong way. Now I am going to tell you how to play with your stick.

B: Dad I play with my stick however I want to. Oh! You just tricked me. Go cook dinner.

F: Cool but then a cool short story about two guys that you have studied already.

Always question authority. From teacher to the cop to the President. Certainly parents. No good answer and do not trust them. In this little hamlet of fun and love we always ask “Why not?”.

The notion is this; a fool sir is still a fool. The fact you gather them by the multitudes only aggravates the situation. Of course we recognize and respect our democracy but we always question who we have appointed or elected to leadership.

This was a founding notion of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Like the fathers of our country. These dudes were super duper baddass.

B: Oh I get it. Just because someone says it is true does not mean it is. And if a bunch of people say it is still does not mean it is true. That is so cool. So if they grade my test wrong it does not mean I am wrong.

F: Close but take it easy there Sherlock.

B: But why don’t you argue with mom when stuff like she tells you to do and you know it is totally wrong?

F: Simple rule is that if something is harmful then I listen to her and then do it my way. For instance she would not know what a “trap” is and for sure not how it works.

B: Like a mouse trap?

F: Same word but this is the “U” shaped thing under the sink. Or you can call it a P trap. Check it out, one of the guys who helped it was name “Crapper”. But it is so the pipes do not fart on the house.

B: OK dad, like I believe any of that. Google later.

F: Fine.

B: You act like you know it all. Brooks says you are full of it sometimes. I know what he means.

F: It is so nice when your sons conspire against you and talk behind your back.

B: You don’t want us to talk about you and what you say?

F: You are such a smartass.

B: That sounds like a cuss word.

F: Fine, smarty pants.

There comes a time where and when you have to do things you do not want to do. Now some would suggest that would mean something like going to school or cleaning up after yourself. I exclude that type of notion here. Not the concept of being told to do something. That is too easy. The time when you have to just do what you are fearful of doing.

Now around here we have two such matters. Riding a bike and playing team sports. For sure the boy can play them and was taught to ride a bike by 5 years old. But he just did not want to.

Here is a bottom line. His grandfather was killed riding a bike. And my middle son/nephew was somewhat crippled playing soccer. Now my wife the glorious woman she is, runs a whole bunch on fear. Certainly her fear of both of those activities goes right into the boy.

Transitions and change are very often very hard.

F: I saw you riding the bike in the back yard. Good for you putting on the helmet. What is up with that?

B: Everyone says I should ride my bike. You know, my buddies and Brooks and Hay and Khanh.

F: Sometimes we do stuff like that.

B: I guess I am starting to grow up.

F: Me too son me too. I mean I am growing up with you. I am glad I did not pressure you. My dad would not let us have bikes because he was a doctor and saw too many hurt people from them. No helmets back then. And then all your three aunties’ road bikes all through Europe and dad road from Tijuana to Seattle. Us boys could not play football until we were 14 or so. And we all 3 ended up captains of our teams.

B: So when I am ready? I am getting ready.

F: What do you mean you were just riding?

B: I mean to play on the Basketball team.

F: I ever tell you about my basketball days?

B: But Uncle Brian did. You were all City and then Allstate and State Champion.

F: It was just what us Dierkers did back then. Morning noon and night we played sports. But if we got “C” grades we couldn’t play. Until we got at least “B’s.

B: Were you ever afraid you wouldn’t do good?

F: Every single day I was afraid. But I am more afraid now of being a bad dad. Knucklehead.

B: I think I want to be more normal than you. You think and work too much.

I thought those old glory days were the best. I guess I never thought about having my own champions. These are my glory days. Win lose or draw they are my heroes.

Why? And Why Not?