Saturday, March 21, 2009

Anniversary Gift from our boys

Here's a sweet story. Mark and I just celebrated our 15th anniversary, and the boys wanted to surprise us with something. So yesterday, after school, with me off on an errand, and Annie over at a friend's, Brennan told Mark he was going on a bike ride over to his friend Tim's, who lives a few blocks away. Nate's job was to distract Mark, so he got him to shoot baskets with him. (Good job, Nate.)

Brennan eventually got back home and surreptitiously hid something in his room. After dinner, he and Nate carried out this big cookie above, with a "Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!" on it. "How in the world did you get that?" we asked him. He said he had biked to the grocery store (about 3/4 of a mile away, accessible by sidewalks all the way, fortunately) gone in, asked the bakery folks to write the message and add a nice picture with it, went through the checkout line and paid for it, slung it in a plastic bag over his handlebars, and biked home. He took a spill on the way home, he told us. The cookie was intact (whew!) , but he cut his hand. So he looked around, saw a nice couple with a baby in front of their house, and went over and politely asked if they had any antiseptic for his cut. They bandaged him up and set him on his way.

We were touched, as well as deeply impressed by his independence. (We're also grateful no grinch stole his unlocked bike while he was in the grocery store!) I had biked with the kids to the grocery store just once before, last summer, and I hadn't realized Brennan still remembered the way. So, anyway, nine years from now, when he's eighteen? Don't be surprised to get postcards from Brennan while on a backpacking trip around the world. We could definitely see him doing that.

In the meantime, though, I'm buying him a lock for his bike.

5 comments:

Mary Kate said...

Awww. That's so sweet! I miss you guys! Love,
Mary Kate

Lorrie and Fred said...

Happy 15th Anniversary Cathy and Mark!! What a great gift from your children. Thanks for sharing a great Schultz family story- one for the ages!
And how about those Wildcats!!!! Final Four!!

our little brown life said...

That is so so sweet- thanks for sharing. I sincerely hope my boys turn out that thoughtful!
Happy Anniversary Cathy & Mark! I have very fond memories of your Wedding. It was a ton of fun (at least for me as a Freshman in high school it sure met my expectations). I remember singing for it and messing up the opening song with Jen & Cath but no one really noticed. And I remember your friend Father Kevin sang the Eucharistic Prayer which was truly beautiful. And Cathy you looked amazing with quite a handsome hubby! Come to think of it, you and I were the only ones to actually get married at St. Pat's! Wow- we have a record of hard core allegiance to Malvern- let's give ourselves credit for that. Next time we're both at the Four Line, we should receive a prize.
Thanks again for sharing. It's moments like these that make me so grateful for blogging as it bridges the physical distance.
Cal
PS- Need I mention Scott Anthony's debut as the ultimate entertainer at your Wedding?!

Lorrie and Fred said...

Carolyn, your comment has jogged my memories too. Thw wedding Mass was beautiful, and Scott's entertainment at the reception was quite a whimsical and unforgetable performance!

The Schultz Family said...

Thanks for the warm memories, guys! I'm biased of course, but I LOVED my wedding day. :) And Cal, not only did we both get married at St. Pat's (yay us) but we also both had our reception at the good ol' VFW. Though I admit they had gotten far more upscale between your wedding and mine! :)