The Joy Is In The Moment
There is nothing attractive about a public men’s room unless it is situated in a Four Seasons, where someone’s job is to clean it every hour. Men’s rooms are rather disgusting affairs with water all over the sinks and evidence that even though men have only one sword they cannot seem to find the goal. It is like soccer – how can it be that difficult to get that little thing into such a big net. Furthermore, in spite of all of the warnings both pre and post – covid, I know that not all men wash their hands no matter if it is number one or number two. However, there is one occasion, in a men’s room, where men behave as if they are filming a commercial for the CDC.
The scene: A small men’s room in an upscale neighborhood, on the second floor of a respectable hotel. There are two stalls occupied with number two activity in process. There are two urinals unoccupied at the moment. I enter about to engage in number one activity. I am followed by a father and his young son – they are about to occupy the second urinal next to me.
I have two sons, and I have experienced the following.
When you're a father and you're teaching your young son how to navigate a public men's room you have no resemblance to the description offered in the first paragraph. As the father and teacher, you are a completely different person. You become a flag bearer for appropriate and purposeful hygienic behavior --- all CDC approved.
Case in point. Father and son--- This is one of those father-knows-best moments. The father is using his best and kindest voice. It is a patient voice as he explains the process while at the same time warning his young son not to touch anything. The little boy successfully extracts his unit for this activity. I am not sure his aim is particularly good, but I know he gets close. Afterall there are men much older than this boy that can’t find the urinal either. After a successful pee, he is able to button up. All the while the father is guiding him with love and patience. Important last step – wash your hands. They go to the sink and thoroughly wash hands and dry. In the meantime, the two disgusting men completing their number two activity, exit the bathroom without even considering washing their hands. Just think they will be shaking someone hand within the next few minutes. Having found the urinal for a good portion of my activity I, too, go to the sink. The father, the boy and I all discuss the benefits of hand washing.
Life has a way of presenting problems, sadness, struggles and challenges but it also gives us the most unexpected joy in the simplest but necessary of functions. This little boy and his father will remember these moments as theirs and theirs alone with a sweet joy and pride that few simple tasks offer.
I remember them still…..