Smiles and Glares

Karah and Bradley spent some time at a neighbor’s house…making humungous hair flowers. They were so large that I didn’t quite take them seriously. I thought it was more of a novelty. Much like a giant foam finger. You don’t intend it to be used as “a finger”…it’s just fun to have. You know what I mean?

I quickly realized that the kids were PROUD of their creations and wanted to wear them everywhere. I told Bradley that people might look at him strangely – because little boys usually don’t wear huge flowers in their hair. He said, “Mama! Mine is a boy flower. I picked a green pom-pom to go in the middle of it. Karah’s has a rose in the middle of it…hers is for girls! I don’t care if people look at me! I like it!”

The jury deliberated and decided he had an excellent argument. I allowed them to wear their creations on our trip to TJ Maxx, Home Depot, and Sams Club.

He received many adoring smiles from young mothers at TJ Maxx…and I received several “What kind of pathetic mother are you??” glares from old, bitter women. At Lowes he received 3 high fives from different men…and was called a “little stud” by one of the workers. At Sams Club – I got a few dirty looks and he got a few sweet smiles. We then ran into a Father with his teenage son. The kid had a huge cowboy hat on and a wad of chew in his lower lip. He passed Bradley and GLARED at him. Bradley said (without breaking eye contact) - “Why is that cowboy so angry?”. We ran into them again on the next aisle and Bradley yelled out, “Oh great! Here comes that angry cowboy again!”

I love that he marches to the beat of his own drum…that he is not persuaded by society’s pressures…and that he is okay with other people “not being okay”.

He wore his creation proudly…and his smile made all of the dirty looks I received, totally worth it.

I love my Boo.

p.s. – yes, the dirty looks could have come from Bryce being barefoot. He will NOT wear shoes. He was born in the South, ya know. Authentic Redneck.