MMeM, Vol.11 Issue 27- What the heck?

Back on Father’s Day this year, I drove my dad to meet my sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces at a Cracker Barrel in Bloomington, IL. We did this last year as well and seeing as how my sister lives on the outer North side of Chicago, we come from Springfield, we’ve told her it’s a good “halfway point”. No, it’s not even close to being halfway, but I’m not going to point that out because I love driving an hour rather than 4 to Chicago.

Anyway, our little Father’s Day dinner for our dad was really nice. After the meal, my sister and her husband and kids sat on the rocking chairs out front for more visiting with Grandpa. I stood by for a few minutes but the heat was affecting me a bit so I went and sat in my truck for comfort and to try to pull my dad in the direction of going home. After realizing that my intention was going UNNOTICED, I yelled over to my sister and asked her to please go into Cracker Barrel and get me a Coke Zero for the drive home.

She complied and disappeared into the restaurant. After about 20 minutes, I started to feel really bad. I mean here I sat, in my A/C truck waiting, while my sister was dealing with the overwhelming Father’s Day crowd inside the restaurant. I hated myself for having asked her at all.

Finally, she emerges from the store carrying my much-anticipated soda. As she nears my open window, I begin apologizing for the request and thanking her profusely. Then, she hands me this glass bottle 8 ounce soda while letting me know she had already procured the opening of said bottle.

I didn’t know that glass bottles were even still produced let alone 8 oz.. versions. I was like, “WHAT the heck?” She shrugged her shoulders and I said, “What, do they sell this for people to keep on their fireplace mantle as a keepsake or something?”

Needless to say, I quickly got over my guilt for having asked her for this favor, swallowed and went back to wishing I had a soda for the drive home.