My number three son is learning to take a shower and wash his hair all by himself. After a few times of doing this it became evident that he was not doing a very good job of washing his hair. I told him to get in the bathtub and fill it up. I told him I would be back in a few minutes to show him how to wash his hair again. He agreed without complaint.

I went into my bedroom and talked with my wife for a while. She was just getting started with watching a movie we both liked, and I started watching it also. About half way through the movie I sat up with a start and whispered my son’s name under my breath. I sprinted to the bathroom as quick as I could.

My boy was still in the tub. He was sitting Indian style, with his elbows on his knees, and his fists on his cheeks. He was not very happy. I told him that I had forgotten him, and that I was sorry. He told me it was okay, but his voice cracked as he said it. He had been crying. I told him that if this happened again to yell at me, or get out, or something. He didn’t have to sit there. I apologized again.

I am going to try and promptly fulfill my part of our future agreements. I am also going to try and do something special for him soon, and show an increase in love. I am not sure how things work in the big picture, but in my house, this is the reward for such blind obedience.