Quote of the day

"Will you please hold my balls?"

That's what my 3-year-old son said in a sing-song request as he placed two rubber bouncy balls in my hand in the lobby at Red Robin.

We all chuckled, and although it wasn't a gut-busting laugh-out-loud moment, there was something so touching about the question's innocent nature. No adult could ask that question without a grin or a reddened face.

I want to delay - as long as possible - the day when my children's minds are permanently scuffed by the real world's gutters, just like the rest of us. I am compelled to protect every inch of these children, shielding them from scraped knees and bruised hearts, but knowing damn well they need to fall down in order to learn, just like the rest of us.

Yes, my son, I will hold your balls. I will put them in my pocket for safekeeping.