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Coke, Coke, Cherry Coke. Sure, grenadine with a few cherries is fine. One of the kids even eats the stems. The kids switch up flavors each time, so I know they like both. Waiting on a family of six must be stressful for a waitress as more napkins are always needed, or someone forgets to ask for something while she is at the table the third time. So, if the wrong flavor of Coke arrives, we don't complain. We need to think of others and what can be done to make their lives easier. Wait. Maybe I have failed. While always worrying about teaching my kids to think of others maybe I didn't worry about them enough. I'm sorry, yet I still think this is an important trait, and I know they have grown into adults who are concerned with others.

My kids were grossed out while sitting by the kid who always chewed with their mouth open. They certainly appreciated the knowledge of good manners then. Shopping in Costco, two preteens position their carts in the center of the aisle, angling them so no one can get through. The mother says, "The world does not revolve just around us." I smile. I am patient, remembering the days of constant reminders of right and wrong.

Second errand of the day is the fruit market. From fifteen feet away I see the look on Jeff's face as he waits for the elderly couple to move along. On the ride home I remind him that will be us someday and that is when I learn "the face" was because of the other people passing him while he patiently waited for the elderly couple. This painting was made in response to my wild dreams but today it reflects thoughts in my mind while witnessing others' disregard for fellow citizens.

The Escalade flies through the stop sign following a pickup with a long trailer. Four blocks later the same Escalade turns left directly in front of a vehicle which had no others behind it for a half mile. Oh, I forgot! If you can afford an Escalade, you are entitled - my mistake. As I peer down the street which the huge SUV entered, I witness some sort of stand still with another vehicle. I can safely guess who was at fault and that he or she was not en route to a hospital situation. These mishaps are not occurring from young people but those above forty. Maybe they forgot the lessons from mom, yet I doubt any of them want my help.