Been there

I'm at a cafe here in residential/city Denver. Even though I haven't been here in awhile, the same familiar faces are here - you know, the regulars who come daily, don't seem to have to work and know each other by name. The older couple just exchanged some things they brought for another cafe regular, knowing she would be here.

I watched a fit, attractive young couple with their two kids eating breakfast. First off, that is something we never did once as a family growing up: go to a cafe for breakfast. Actually, we never went to a cafe. Ever. I'm pretty sure the first time I went to one was in college (apart from going to the cafe in Border's Books during high school because it was the only place open until 10 p.m. on Friday).

Anyway, the family was just enjoying a leisurely Saturday, talking in calm quiet voices. I liked that the parents didn't do baby talk and just talked to their daughter (3 years old?) and son (1 year?) like people. The girl finished eating and got excited about the play area. As soon as she stepped over there, though, she turned around and said to her dad, "I have to go to the bathroom. Oh. I just went." He didn't yell. He didn't get angry. As this poor little girl's lime green jeans slowly seeped to a darker color, her dad just calmly cleared their table and cleaned up as much as he could.

I was so impressed with the dad. I mean, we've all been there. No need to get mad when she obviously didn't mean to do it; and, really, she was the only one suffering in now wet jeans. Been there. But, the dad didn't get mad or make a big deal. They just calmly walked home to change clothes.