Timeout

I heard Mackin and Carrick, two of our cats, talking this afternoon. I thought I’d share their conversation with you.

Carrick: Mackin, I was thinking.

Mackin: Why?

Carrick: I was bored because I don’t have a toad. You know what I was thinking about?

Mackin: A toad?

Carrick: Yes! But then I started thinking about all the stuff I’ve been seeing on TV.

Mackin: I don’t like TV unless it is “Little House on the Prairie.” There’s a nice dad on it. And it’s not scary. Unless there’s a horse. Or a goat. Or a raccoon. Or—

Carrick: A wolf?

Mackin: Yes! That is the scariest of all.

Carrick: Can I tell you a secret, Mackin?

Mackin: Yes.

Carrick: Sometimes when I watch the news, I feel scared. The same way you feel when you see that wolf.

Mackin: Oh, Carrick! I’m sorry. That’s a very bad feeling.

Carrick: I get scared because I hear about people getting sick. Lots of people.

Mackin: That is scary.

Carrick: And there’s something else. You know what Mommy always tells us when she and Daddy go somewhere?

Mackin: To be nice boys.

Carrick: And to take care of each other.

Mackin: And to make good choices.

Carrick: Yes! And when she gets home, she asks if we did, and you tell her the truth and sometimes Seamus and I get in trouble and have to take a timeout.

Mackin: I’m sorry, Carrick. I can’t lie.

Carrick: I know. I’ve just been thinking that the people I see on TV aren’t being nice, or taking care of each other, or making good choices.

Mackin: Oh dear! They should have to take a timeout!

Carrick: I think they’re too old for that.

Mackin: Oh, no, Carrick! You’re never too old for timeout if you’re not being a nice boy.

Carrick: Anyway, sometimes I just get scared.

Mackin: Then I will tell YOU a secret, Carrick. I am scared a LOT.

Carrick: What do you do when you’re scared?

Mackin: I find my dad! He is safe and strong and he loves me.

Carrick: That’s all?

Mackin: Oh, Carrick! That’s all you ever need forever and ever.

Carrick: What if Daddy isn’t here?

Mackin: I say to myself, “Mackin! Remember, you are Daddy’s boy. And Daddy is safe and strong and he loves you. So you will be brave.”

Carrick: Does it work? Mackin? Does it work?

Mackin: I was trying to think of a time when it didn’t. And I can’t!

Carrick: What about the people making bad choices?

Mackin: Maybe they don’t know that they have a dad who is safe and strong and loves them. So they’re very afraid all the time.

Carrick: Hey, Mackin? Did anybody ever tell you that you’re smart?

Mackin: No.

Carrick: I think you’re smart.

Mackin: I think you’re brave.

Carrick: You want to go find Daddy?

Mackin: Yes!