Little lies, the flip side

A coworker told me a story about a recent visit to Disney in Orlando, Florida. They were there on his son’s birthday in early December and at the theme parks, the birthday child is given a “birthday badge” with their name on it to be worn throughout the visit. As it turns out, the park personnel are very well trained to look for and recognize these badges. His son (nine years old) was eating up the attention. His younger daughter (6 years old) was not so impressed by the attention her older brother was getting, and everyone was noticing.
Late in the day the family went to dinner with the princesses and it was decided that they would fudge the dates and say that it was the daughter’s birthday so she could get a birthday badge and the attention that goes with it for a change. It was only for the one meal so his son reluctantly agreed. When presented with the idea, his daughter simply asked, “But won’t that be lying?” “Well a little bit, but your brother is not interested in attention from the princesses, and it’s only for this one meal time.” Her parents assured her. The son’s badge was pocketed and the daughter’s badge attached.
Needless to say the evening was all the daughter had expected. She was given special attention by everyone. Pictures were taken, special desserts set out, a small parade was conducted and a special booklet was given to collect the signatures of all the princesses. What could possibly been better?
She was on cloud nine…until one of Cinderella’s evil step sisters came by to see if she could sign the book for her birthday celebration. In a whiney, conceited voice the evil step sister asked. “So, is it really your birthday or are you lying?” Mortified, the child froze wide-eyed and stared at the character. Quickly her mother offered, “It’s not actually her birthday today, but it is coming soon.”
To which the step sister responded, “Well. I guess that’s okay.”, slowly signed the book and moved on.
My friend said his daughter held her breath through the entire exchange and almost passed out.
Mama was coming out of Wal-mart yesterday with the two older grandkids when a lady stopped her and said, “What a picture. Those two are just beautiful. It really makes me miss my grandkids.” Mama laughed and told the grandmother that she was usually the one making that statement. It was fun being on the flip side of that sentiment.
It made her day. When the new baby comes home with my daughter tomorrow she will be truly in her element.