Reason #429: My Mom Fires People

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"Opportunity is missed by most people 
because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
-Thomas A. Edison
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Yesterday was Aaron's birthday.  Between recovering from the flu, spending time at the doctor's office because of an ear infection, and blogging about designer shoes, we managed to get a little time in to celebrate, but not much.  Maddie really wanted to take her daddy to Perfect Games, so we picked the kids up early and finally celebrated.  Perfect Games is a place where you can bowl, play games, have pizza, play laser tag, get those little ticket things and have your kids spend them on complete crap.  I think you all get the gist.  

As Maddie stepped to the counter to determine what to spend her 289 tickets on, I noticed the employee leaning in to make sure to get my attention.  I recognized her immediately as a co-worker's sister.  I didn't know she was working there so we spent some time chit-chatting (mainly about the crap my kid was about to bring home).  Once Maddie had adequately selected a supply of Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, a small stuffed animal and a slap bracelet, we headed for the door.  

When we got outside, Maddie said to me, "Mom, is that someone you worked with at your job and you fired?"

Needless to say, I was a bit taken aback.  "Why would you say that Madison?"  I just had to ask.  

"Well, mom, it's because you are a boss and you fire people."  

"You realize that's only a small part of what mommy does, don't you?  And mommy doesn't do that every day."  

"Ok-Ok.  I was just asking mom."  

On the way home, I wondered what would cause her to say that?  Do we watch too much television?  Maybe a little to much of The Apprentice?  Does she identify me as Donald Trump?  A decision to terminate an employee is never an easy one and certainly nothing I take lightly when I am forced to make those decisions.  My mind wandered ahead to career day at her school, Maddie at the helm introducing me as her mom "who fires people."  Not really want I'm going for here. 

Therefore, I spent a little time with Maddie tonight after bath time explaining what mommy does at work all day.  I also explained to her that sometimes mommy has to let someone go and it's never easy and sometimes even makes me cry.  As she pulled on her pajama pants, she walked up to me.   She took my face into her hands as if to try to make me feel better.  She stroked my hair with her hand and got the most angelic of looks on her face and said, "Mommy, it's OK.  I still love you even though you fire people."  

Good to know. 

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