Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

It was a bleak, autumn Monday morning and I was trying to get everyone’s gears shifted back to work-school-hurry-up mode. Monday is trash day and I needed to get the kids dropped off at daycare before my weekly a 7:30 a.m. conference call.

My then four- and five-year-old sons had been on and off my nerves all weekend. In between the art projects, games, stories, chores, trip to the supermarket, and trying to maintain reverence in church was a generous helping of hitting, kicking, throwing things, waking the baby up, jumping on the furniture, mimicking, and backtalk. I didn’t feel all that well-rested.

I had to make multiple trips in and out of the house between the trash and recycling and all the various and sundry supplies we need for a day at daycare and school and work – blankets for nap time, lunches and formula, my briefcase and laptop – not to mention the baby, who I had carried out and tucked into his car seat.

Each time I trudged in and out of the house I found it necessary to encourage the boys, who had made it as far as the porch, to get ready to actually walk out the door to the car.

“Put your shoes on, please.

“Have you got those shoes on yet?”

“Boys, what did Mommy ask you?”

“Do you need some help with those shoes?” 

On my last trip, I caught both of them goofing around in front of the house, jumping up and down, trying to touch the flag that was swaying in the chilly breeze. We’d been flying the American flag since September 11, 2001.

Exasperated, I sputtered, “BOYS! Why.Aren’t.You.In.The.Car.Yet!” 

Two sets of angelic eyes – one brown, one blue – turned to look at me like I was stupid.

“We’re gonna say the pledge of allegiance!” (The oldest had just learned it in school and was teaching it to his younger brother.)

Oh, of course – silly me. With a long sigh, I felt my annoyance dissipating, and my heart swelling with pride – not just for my boys but for the symbol of our nation. “Oh. Well…that’s a good idea. I know, let’s all say it!” And I placed my hand over my heart.

My five year old smiled at me quizzically, “How do you know the pledge of allegiance, Mommy!?” 

The mother of three sons, Caroline Poser lives with her family in Groton. She works full-time as a software marketing professional and moonlights as an author. For more information: www.CarolinePoser.com