Today was Thursday. A rainy Thursday. A rainy Thursday during Spring Break. What better place to go on a rainy day than the mall? What better mall to visit than the Mall of America?

So off we went on an adventure of epic mall proportions. New burger place. Check. Mini golf. Check. Plenty of stores. Check. A gigantic candy store. Check. A store full of just socks. Check. Did I mention that it’s name was “Sox Appeal?” Check. Popcorn, rides, more rides, and an arcade. Check, check, check, and another check. The arcade even had a bar attached, so add a beer. Bonus check for Dad.

A great day. Plus, I had four pennies remaining in my pocket. Perfect for the four Paulsen boys (a dad, plus three lads) to throw into the pool in one of the mall’s walkways.

I took my penny and had plans. I was going to show my boys how it was done. Placing the penny on my thumb, I let it launch. I looked at the surface of the water and waited. Nothing. The penny hadn’t landed. Glancing around, I saw a young boy (not mine) on the other side of the pool reach down for a penny (mine) that was rolling toward him. I had almost struck an innocent child with my wish.

So be it. Let it serve as a reminder. A reminder that I don’t need a wish. My wish has already come true. A healthy happy family and a day full of fun. Certainly wish worthy.