A Room With a View

Don’t get me wrong.  I like kids.  And I like other people’s kids the best.  I just would like to know the kid before I get put in charge of them.  Here’s what happened:

I was attending the “aforementioned” graduation.  A former colleague of mine D. was there as current faculty.  The faculty lines up in two rows and the new graduated pass in between them  as they enter the football field.  A last chance for “Congratulations!” and “Thank you!” and a few hugs.  D. stood there holding her granddaughter.  When the faculty walked in following the students, there she is with baby. 

I ended up sitting two rows behind D. and her friend (who was in charge of the younger grandchild).  This was my first graduation as a not-a-faculty-member.  D. didn’t sit with the faculty up front. 

The point of all this is that several times during the ceremony D. turned with baby (meaning toddler) and said, “Watch her.”  And now I’m in charge.  Wonderful little girl, really.  I don’t know her name.  She was on a leash for a reason.  She enjoyed a little football that she fortunately did not throw when I had her in my possession. 

I just found the whole situation absurd.  Never a “Can you watch her?” or “Do you mind holding her for a minute?”  Simply, “Watch her.”  and then D. turned around so SHE could watch graduation. 

And of course, after the ceremony was over, the two of them could not handle two kids by themselves.  “Can you help us to the car?”  Certainly rumors were started as we made our way to the car.  “When did Mr. P get a kid?”  A lot has happened in the year since I left…