Where's Mom?

Not long ago I attended a Women of Faith Conference. My son Scott is one of those clingy, mommy's boys, who hates to be without me for any length of time. Leaving the house is never easy, so a three day absence was a real trial for my husband. He did his best to explain to the kids where I went and that I would only be gone for a few "sleeps".

While I was gone, he and the three kids ventured to Costco. As women know, any time a man appears in public with his children but without his wife, other women are amazed. We feel the need to compliment the bravery of such daring husbands! Such was the case with the check-out lady at Costco.

While Sean and the kids waited, the checker smiled at the kids and told my husband he was a "brave soul" to bring three children to Costco alone. Then, she offered her smile to the kids. "Are you guys having a day out with dad? Where's mom today?" Big mistake.

Inside the shopping cart, Scott burst into tears. He told the lady, with his own special dramatic flair, "She went to be with Jesus!" The poor woman was unprepared for that answer. As she tried to apologize to my husband, who was laughing instead of comforting our child, Scott cried harder. "She left. She left us and went to Jesus!"

Scott kept crying. Sean kept laughing. The woman began crying. Finally, my husband choked down his laughter enough to explain the situation.

Next time that sweet woman sees a man alone with his children, She'll surely be afraid to ask, "Where's mom today?"

To me, children are a treasure trove of writing ideas (not to mention endless hours of entertainment & frustration). What are some of the best/worst "writeable" moments you've had with your children or from your own childhood memories?