A LESSON IN FAMILY VALUES...b. Malin

The other day, Lover Man announced it was time for him to buy new "walking" sneakers. We decided to drive over to the "Outlet stores", called "The Walk", located in Atlantic City. What a wonderful place to be on a Beautiful October day. We walked with the sun gently sending it's warm rays down, and our sweat jackets opened and feeling oh so good to be alive.

We arrived at the "Reebok" store and were helped and directed to the "walking sneaker" dept., where there were 2 rows. Now being a man, (God Bless him) he, within FIVE minutes, had chosen the pair he wanted. I would have taken MUCH longer, MUCH, MUCH, longer. Ok, so mission accomplished, walking sneakers paid for, we exited, found the car and deposited the package into the trunk.

Too Beautiful a day to go back home, we decided to take a walk. Up and down the blocks we went looking at all the Wonderful Outlet Stores, you name it, they are there...And I have to add, some really great buys. However, if it's one thing I have learned over the years, Lover Man HATES shopping...My Sons when they were "little", HATED to go shopping with me. No matter if it was for Food or (God forbid) clothing. Of course now that they are grown men, they always look stylish, so I guess they got over it...Or their Ladies shop for them.

So now after walking for a while, I spotted an "Auntie Anne's" Hot Pretzel shop...Oh too die for, they are that good. We looked at one another and decided we had to have one, which we would share...and not feel guilty. We went in, and chose a Garlic, lightly salted one. After paying the woman behind the counter she said, "those tables out front are ours, go sit and enjoy". And so we smiled, and said "Thank You", and found a clean table where you can people watch. I had brought along bottled water from home, so what more did we need on this Beautiful day.

Lover Man looked at me seriously and said, "How are you feeling"? "I'm fine", I sighed. There had been some "Family Problems" that still weren't resolved, and sadly, maybe, never would be. He being my Best Friend as well as my husband, was concerned for me. "Hey, it's too nice a day for me to feel unhappy" I said brightly...and he smiled and agreed as I split our "treat" down the middle.

Now we are eating it, when suddenly, from out of somewhere, comes this little Sparrow, who lands on the short stone wall that is less than a foot from our table. He cocks his head as he studies us. I said, "Want some"? I held out a small piece, gently placing it on the table. With that said, he now lands on the table, takes it, and flies away. We of course are amused and laugh together. Maybe a minute later he is back. He eyes Lover Man and watches as he takes a small piece and holds it out to him...No hesitation, as once again he flies onto the table and takes it from Lover Man's fingers...What a trusting little bird, I think to myself.

We finish our treat and figured our little friend is gone...when suddenly he appears once again, only this time, with three other birds. "Look honey, I cry out in delight, he's brought his Family over...he wants them to share in the treat". "But we have no more to give them" he sighs. "I'm sorry" I say as I look down at this little creature, who has put his truth and faith into us. He seems to understand as we stand up to leave. I am touched, that this little bird has displayed "Family Values"...Something that a lot of us are lacking...But still wish for.