West Cocoa Chat

As the Holidays began a number of “us” whose boys have grown up together at our church decided to take them to our favorite Japanese Steakhouse, “Makotos” in Melbourne. No, there wasn’t a scene (as in the movie, “Christmas Story”) in which a duck’s head had to be severed to make the meal more presentable.

Several of our “boys” will be graduating in the next 2 years from High School so occasions where we can get them all together (yes, we actually wanted to) are fleeting at best. Are party ended up being 24 so I volunteered to drive our church bus to increase the fun.

The meal was fantastic and our 2 Japanese Chefs put on an outstanding show. I think the funniest moment was when the Chef for the boys threw water on the hot grill causing a loud hiss and a large cloud of steam. Steven’s friend, David, who was in the direct “line of fire” yelled across the room to his Mother, “Mom, I think my eye-brows are gone again!”

The reason this was funny was due to the fact that David, on a dare, had shaved his eyebrows during our youth group’s trip to John Dobb’s Church to help with Katrina Relief. David is a great kid with a great sense of humor. I guess you have to have a good sense of humor to shave your own eye-brows.

Despite all of the fun we had at Makotos that for me and I think for all the parents, wasn’t the highlight of the evening. On the bus ride home, I was using the bus microphone (no, this wasn’t the highlight either) to play “tour guide” and liven up the evening. At one point I was hushed by several of the adults. Now, those that know me I’m sure would agree that I couldn’t have possibly been annoying. I appreciate all of you who have my back.

No, I was hushed by the adults because the teens, on their own, had started singing praise songs. There is a certain feeling you get when your children on their own, choose to do spiritual things.

Now, I’m not bragging on my parenting skills or my son’s (and his friends) ability to be “perfect.” Goodness knows that that both he and I are far from it. My praise goes to God for despite all of the mistakes I’ve made in raising my son and I know my friends would make the same statement, praise to be to God that our boys love Jesus.

Happy New Year Family.