Not a Janitor, a Kayak Brother

"It's a beautiful day out, why aren't you playing Nintendo?"

I teased my kids with this to much this summer, as they have spent a vast amount of time in front if the brain sucking box. Monday, on my day off, I decided to surprise them.

"Hey we are out of groceries. We are out of everything. You guys must go with me to haul it all in for me." The response I received was far below lackadaisical. I even convinced my sister into going with us. We all piled into her van and headed into town. The only one excited in the vehicle was me. "How about we pick up K1's early birthday present while we are at it?" I could see and hear the wheels spinning in their little heads when I convinced them into pulling into the Gander Mountain parking lot.

"What are we here for mom?" I played dumb to their questioning. Maybe we will pick up Sis's birthday gift also while we are here. My sister's birthday and my son's are one day apart. I still wouldn't answer their questioning but marched us right into the boating department. They were all in shock and awe when I told them I was getting them all a kayak.

"But first I need to buy a special carrier and have a mechanic attach it on my van's roof to hold three kayaks", my sis protested, "that's what I was told at all the other sporting goods places. They will not secure them on because of the liability involved." That little snafu only momentarily dampened our buzz. I knew I could not afford the extra costs of the carrier and garage time but I told K1 to go find us some customer service help.

The older gentleman my son returned with in tow was Ron. Ron soon became our fast kayaking brother as he explained to use what would be best for us, and gave was several valuable pointers with out trying to upsale us. It was easy to tell this man loved the sport. He gave us all sorts of free advice and tolds us we did not need a fancy carrier and even showed us the straps that would hold the boats on, for a lot less money and hastle. When he offered to teach us the proper way to portage our new vessels, we all but dog piled on top of him in gratitude. "Wait", Ron said, "let me get you a sales person. "

Let me get you a sales person.

It wasn't until after Ron had demonstrated how to get all three boats safely on the top of the van, and he send me back into the store to get a refund on the unneeded straps that he shook our hands and we drove off.

"K1, how did you manage to find such a great guy to help us out?" , I asked.

"Easy mom, he was cleaning the floor."