[Gulp]

The other day, while struggling to pedal the 2 miles back to our car with a vomiting 1 year old and a wailing 4 year old, who had just crashed her bike and was left with 3 bloody "owies," enjoying a leisurely bike ride with our 4under3 along a creek path, we came upon a man.
He appeared to be of a grandpappy's age, and seemed to be enjoying the afternoon on the creek with his fishing pole.

As we neared him, Luke showed much enthusiasm for the man and his fishing pole, and I smiled with delight. I love teachable moments. I imagined this would be a great one.

Luke, as he pedals a bit faster: "Mommy! Look! That man has a pishin' pole. He's, um, pishin' for pish."

Me, as we continued to pedal closer to the man: "You're right, buddy. How about you say hi?"

Luke, his eyes still fixated on the fishing pole: "Wow! Mommy, look! He's throwin' that string in 'da water. Wow!"

By this point, we're feet from the man who looks even more endearing up close.

Me to the presumable grandpappy: "Hello. A pretty nice day to be out fishing."

The man, who disregards my comment but is smiling at Julia and Luke on their bikes: "Cute kids. I raised a kid like that. For 8 years."

I smiled and nodded attentively.

He continues: Then she slapped a restraining order on me just because I drink. Haven't seen him in 4 years."

[Gulp]