When you’re a parent to four energetic boys all under the age of six, you need to get inventive about ways for them to expend some energy. We recently discovered an ideal opportunity and signed up for our very first family 5K run. The event welcomed children of all ages and encouraged participants to don superhero costumes in support of cancer research. My boys were thrilled to dress up as their beloved Ninja Turtles. Each participant received a shiny red cape, the weather was spectacular, and the boys were excitedly cheered on by spectators as we watched the runners ahead of us on their way to the finish line. It was nearly a perfect day.
However, it seems that my large family is often viewed as an inconvenience to others. As we approached the finish line, we heard someone shout behind us, “Thanks for taking up the whole lane! I appreciate it!” We turned back, puzzled, since we were far from blocking the entire path. I was walking on the far right with the baby while my partner was a few feet ahead, pulling two boys in a wagon and one riding his bike just ahead. We were only taking up about two spots at most.
Upon glancing back, the man was quite far behind us, yet he reiterated his comment, clearly aimed at us. My partner, trying to lighten the mood, asked, “You mean we’re in your way?” The man sped past us on the left, grumbling, “Yeah, thanks a lot.” I couldn’t help but shout after him, “This is a family walk for cancer!” but he ignored me and crossed the finish line a few yards ahead. My partner approached him afterward to discuss the incident, but he simply walked away, leaving us both feeling frustrated. We spent the entire drive home dissecting the encounter.
This isn’t an isolated incident. I recall another time a man on his phone berated us for taking too long to choose canned crab while we maneuvered our cart filled with kids. Then there was the gentleman who scolded me for “taking forever” to strap all four boys into their car seats while he impatiently waited for my parking space. It’s become clear that we’re a significant burden to society. So, I’d like to take this moment to extend my sincerest apologies.
I apologize for not considering you, the complete stranger, when I planned my family.
I’m sorry your needs didn’t top my priority list.
I regret that my dedication to car safety doesn’t enhance your parking experience.
I’m truly sorry that the oversized shopping carts at Walmart resemble Zambonis gliding through the aisles, encroaching upon your space.
And to that dedicated runner, I genuinely apologize if my audacity to bring my kids to a family 5K added precious seconds to your impressive 59-minute finish. How inconsiderate of me!
If you wish to keep my family and me out of your neighborhood grocery store or off the streets, please feel free to sign the petition at www.gokickrocks.com. We appreciate your support in ensuring that large, joyful families with adorable kids remain at home where they presumably belong. This way, we can focus our energies on aiding the elderly and disabled.
For more resources on family planning and home insemination, check out this excellent post on intracervical insemination and learn from Make a Mom about your fertility journey. Also, for more insights on pregnancy, visit Rmany.
In summary, having a large family can sometimes evoke annoyance in others, but it’s essential to embrace the joy and laughter they bring. Apologizing for our presence reflects the misunderstandings that can arise in public spaces, and it serves as a reminder that families come in all shapes and sizes.