Bear was off work one day a few weeks ago and was actually able to go to a couple of appointments for Atti so I could work. I was so grateful to be relieved of duty I didn’t think through the consequences. One of the appointments was a fitting for new braces, and that meant Bear got to pick them out. I normally go as plain as possible – Atti doesn’t care and I don’t want to clash with his clothes – but Bear decided this would be a perfect opportunity for a joke. So he picked out the braces he loved – Tampa Bay Buccaneer helmets – and didn’t tell me about it. I discovered it for myself when I picked them up and everyone in the office got to witness my laughter and tears.

I should have figured something was up when he kept asking, “Are the braces ready yet?” “When are you going to pick up the new braces?” “Will they call you or do you need to check in?” He was a lot more concerned this time than he’s been in the past. I should have guessed he had something up his sleeve. Luckily Atti has hit a growth spurt and it’s nearly time for new braces again. This time I’ll know better.