I remember when I was in vehicle operations training at the San Diego Police Academy. Our driving instructors repeatedly emphasized the importance of looking in our rear view mirror every few seconds, while driving a police car. You are always on the lookout for both vehicles as well as pedestrians approaching your vehicle. I agree with the concept and regularly employ the tactic. I also know there is about a twenty minute time period every school day; I just can't take my eyes off that rear view mirror.
I guess the rear view mirror is designed to see what is behind us. In that twenty minute window, all I see is the future. The future is bright and it is approaching so very quickly. I feel that way because each school morning our youngest son, Ryan looks at me through the rear view mirror as he sits in the rear seat of our car, (He is so disappointed he does not yet weigh enough to be promoted to the front seat). I love having him back there. His thoughtful and beautiful eyes peer at me as he asks me so many very important questions.
Theresa and I have several, "deals" with our children. One of them is we will always tell them the truth, regardless of the sensitivity of the question. It seemed like a smart idea when we started, but as our boys are getting older, I am amazed with the questions and subject matter we are already talking about. For goodness sake our oldest is only in seventh grade. Their questions frequently make me laugh. Other times they make me wonder.
Ryan's questions were pretty easy the beginning of this week. "Can people be allergic to people?" Good question. Of course it led to his next question, "Can kids be allergic to school?" In the mirror, I could see his wry, mischievous smile. That answer was easy. You can't blame the kid for trying.
Maybe due to all the talk about Iran pursuing nuclear weapons led to him asking the next question. It was a doozy, "How many atomic bombs would it take to blow up San Diego?" Like I said, some questions are not so easy to answer. My first thought was it was a sad question for him to ask. I did not know the answer until now.
I guess, I always want our kids to talk with us about anything. Things we would have never thought to ask our parents. So by luck, my brother John, living in Seattle happened to send me the following link this week, (Atomic Bomb Simulation) where you can put in your address or move the icon and then select the atomic bomb of your choice. You then push, "detonate". It shows the area of destruction, from the initial fireball to the outward radiation effects. I found it interesting, but after simulating a Russian atomic warhead, (50 megaton) exploding over 4S Ranch as well as several tactical nukes hitting Santaluz and Crosby Estates, I had second thoughts.
I recalled at the time Ryan asked me the, "Bomb question" I was driving. I told him, "I don't know". I told him the truth. I love helping a little boy or anyone else for that matter to find their way. Like some of Troy and Raymond's questions, I always do tell them the truth. The truth does not necessarily mean I provide all the details. And, I really don't know how many atomic bombs it takes to blow up San Diego. I'll consider that question closed for now. It reminds me of what San Diego County District Attorney prosecutors used to say in court when it was a repeat question from the Defense Attorney, "Your honor, asked and answered". The judge would then respond, "Sustained, rephrase your question counselor". Since Ryan does not have a defense attorney, (and never will, I hope) I will let that question sit.
If Ryan ever asks about how many tactical warheads it takes to blow up 92127. That I can answer! It just adds to my expertise in the area in case we have any nuclear scientists looking for homes in Santaluz, Crosby, Del Sur, or 4S Ranch. Who knows, it could be an ice breaker.
In the meantime, I will keep looking in that rear view mirror and treasure these questions and looking at Ryan's little face and hearing his voice transition from a little boy to a young person. Before I know it, he will be promoted to the front seat and will be complaining that his friends just may see him in a car with his parents pictures on the side. Oh, the difficulties of being a Realtor's son in 4S Ranch.
Have a great week!
