“That would be us…”

At lunch today, Justin and I were enjoying our Bubba Burgers and fries. It was his first visit to a BB restaurant, the franchises in our area owned by my neighbor Jeff and his wife, Kathy. We splurged, and should not have, on an appetizer of fried pickles which promptly filled me up before the meals came. The fries are more delicious than just about anything in recent memory, and I long for the next visit to have more!

Justin is going to his friend’s house for movie night Friday but had not heard yet if dinner was being provided. He told me he still has a gift card for Taco Bell to use up, so checked on-line to see the burrito special for the month, just in case he had to get his own dinner.  An app on his iPhone takes him to a restaurant coupon page, and he read off a few that would be of interest to me. One was for Sweet Tomatoes and he rattled off the ‘deals’ offered for lunch and dinner diners. One he read was Dinner for Four, two adults and two children for a certain dollar amount. I think I simply acknowledged the good deal, but then he said, “That would be us….” It just struck me, the sadness in his voice. Yes, that would be us….

For his birthday this past July, I gave Justin a copy of George Washington’s “Rules of Civility” which includes, besides the Rules, a couple of Washington’s speeches. I would guess his friend, Jesse, upon seeing the tiny book, thought it was a dud of a gift; however, Justin loved it. In fact, he mentioned it to me again on Tuesday as we walked over to vote.

Justin said it was difficult for him to know what to do when a woman and he approach an out-swinging door, or pool gate, as the case might be. It is awkward for him to reach around the woman, who is already in front of him, to grab the door knob or handle, then stand out of the way for her to pass. If there is anything he strongly dislikes, it is feeling ‘awkward’. I was not sure what to tell him about the manners involved in such a situation, other than to ask the female to stand aside while he gets the door. And she can retain the option of getting the door herself. Not sure that helped him with his dilemma but I do let him get the doors for me if he wishes.

I don’t know for sure that the Rules of Civility covers the out-swinging door issue or not, but he also follows a website or blog which deals with the art of being a gentleman. I cannot tell you how great this makes me feel, knowing that it matters to him how he treats people. The site gives advice such as ‘What does a gentleman wear to a funeral?' and other things on that order, which he often quotes to me, and, hopefully, to his friends!

One time, he told me how he took his buddy to the side and reprimanded him for not being more complimentary to the young lady who had made their dinner. She is this guy’s ‘intended’, seemingly taken for granted by her beau, but Justin tried to set him straight on this. What a sweetheart he is about these type of things!

Yesterday, I was at the dentist for a cleaning and check-up, the office located in our ‘old’ office building. I am no longer an owner but still have an attachment to it. Peggy, my dentist, is also my friend, and the hygienist lives in The Preserve, where I used to live. I told the hygienist that I would not be surprised to see Justin peeking in the window at me while I am in the chair. His father's office is back in the building again, on the far end, but Justin tends the shrubs and grass, etc. for the entire property. She and the dental assistant who has been with Peggy for over 12 years both told me how much they love Justin. He always has a smile for them in the office and greets them warmly. “He is always so polite!” What mom would not like to hear this???? By the way, I had a good check-up, a shiny smile and no cavities!