Earlier today, our son Sam’s second grade class had a field trip to the Y Center pool.  His class went with two other classes and the reports were positive.  So and So’s mother chaperoned.  So and So decided to only go on the waterslide.  So and So was accidently playing in the swim lanes.  Sam had a good time.

As dinner wrapped up, Sam began to tell a story, but he began with a warning.  “I have a gross story to tell, but it’s true.”  I looked across the table and waited for my wife to put a halt to this story, but much to my surprise, Charlene allowed Sam to continue.  “Today at the pool, during the whole time, not one kid took a bathroom break.”

I was relieved.  Sam’s gross story only alluded to a gross topic (going to the bathroom or in this case not), rather than the story actually being gross.  Continuing to eat dinner, my relief was suddenly replaced by revulsion.  Dozens of second graders.  Swimming.  Zero bathroom breaks.  Sudden realization.  Sure, zero bathroom breaks, but most likely many, many potty breaks within the pool.  Nasty.

Looking across the table at my wife, my face revealed my revulsion realization.  Looking back with a crooked smile, Charlene clarified the real point of concern, “That took you a while.”  Indeed, but I have been quick to learn that when chaperoning a trip to the Y Center, avoid joining the class of second graders in the pool.