Love in the Time of Candy

Four hours into a five-hour trip home from Michigan, we stopped for a potty break in Appleton.

Will, as is his habit these days, asked for a treat. He pointed to a display of Tootsie Rolls, Junior Mints and Dots and asked for one of them. I said , "No, you've had enough sweets today."

"How much is it?" he asked.

"Well, they're 3 for a $1.00."

"A dollar? That's not much."

It really wasn't. But I was determined to hold firm.

"Can I get it and give you money from my piggy bank?"

"No. I don't want you to have any more candy."

"How about these?" Combos for about $2.

"Will. No. You could get six Tootsie Rolls for that price!"

"Really? Wow! That's such a great deal!"

He was so impressed by the value of his dollar, I told him he could get them and save them for later.

We got in the van, Will skipping and holding his loot in this hands. He packed them
away in his secret compartment in the van and shouted, "I LOVE you Mommy!"

"I love you too Will!"

"Have you figured it out yet Mommy?"

"What?"

"Have you figured out yet that when you buy me treats, I say 'I love you?'"

Just as grandparents around the world have always suspected.