Raise High The Cup!

The Kid experienced one of those life-altering moments - again. A severe blow to a sensitive region of the male anatomy convinced all about him that the time had come to don a cup, in the time-honored tradition of young athletes.

And so, it was off to Dick's Sporting Goods. The practice there is to intercept an incoming customer, determine needs and/or interests, and summon a departmental specialist to render assistance.

Uber-Mom asked if The Kid should make the request, or if she should communicate the object of their search. The Kid, let her know, in certain and unmistakable terms, that she should give him $25, and wait in the car.

We all face, at one time or another, certain awkward moments in both personal and professional roles and relationships. A nervous edge to a conversation, in either venue, is probably healthy. But, a touch of social malaise should definitely not postpone, sugarcoat, or gloss over the reality that the tough calls will have to be made at some point - and the sooner and clearer the better.

Some would suggest that the process is one of becoming a leader.

I hold out that it is all part of growing up - and we need all the grown-ups we can find to be the best supply chain we can be.

Again, thanks to The Kid for showing us the way . . .