A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call at work. It was my oldest son with the strangest question. "Mom," he said. "Do you think it's okay to wear a suit to parent teacher conferences?"
"Aw ha," I thought. Another "first" in my son's ever growing role as a young parent. Today was the first time he would be meeting with his daughter's kindergarten teacher at a parent-teacher conference.
Without giving it a second thought, my answer immediately rolled out. "NO".
"What?" he asked. "Why not?"
"Because!" I exclaimed. " People read into the way you dress."
"Yes - exactly," he bounced back. "That's why I'm wearing a suit! I want to be taken seriously."
"If you want to be taken seriously," I suggested, "you show up and you act educated."
"But some people wear a suit to work everyday and they go to conference in a suit," he explained.
"Yes, but you don't," I confirmed. My son and his wife own and manage apartment buildings in the metro area. While this job is very demanding and he must project a professional image, his typical work attire is blue jeans and a company shirt. How could this be the same son who appalled his mother when he showed up at his first child's baptism in blue jeans?
Then a voice radiates in the background and it suddenly all makes sense. "Don't worry Diane," my daughter-in-law shouts. "I'll even us out. I'm wearing blue jeans for our FIFTEEN MINUTE CONFERENCE!"
"But I'm already dressed," Jerod explained.
"Go change your clothes," I challenged.
I had to smile. This was one proud daddy who wanted nothing but the best for his daughter. He would show up in a loin cloth if he thought it would guarantee the success of his daughter. It was so obvious. He meant well but his wife didn't agree and a quick phone call to Mom would prove him right. Sorry son, but this time I have to disagree.
As I hung up the phone, my heart filled with love and a smile lit my face. I was needed. My opinion was valued. Life was good.
Today I sit back. I'm still smiling, but I can't help but wonder. I was right, wasn't I? You never should try to be something your not, even if someday your daughter is going to be president of the United States.
So President Joslyn, may I be the first to apply? Someday you may be a mother and I'm sure you'll agree. Mom does knows best and who would be a better presidential advisor? Hail to the chief!
Don't you think she would make a cute commander in chief?
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