What if?

So I normally try to avoid what if questions at all cost. I have a rule in my classroom that what if questions are not allowed, especially in middle school, there are just way too may scenarios their little brains can conjure up, and to be perfectly honest very few ever come to fruition.

I like being prepared, but the whole what if my grandma dies, do I still have to come to the concert in 3 months, really doesn't fly. (Don't get me wrong, if their grandma died I wouldn't really make them come to the concert!)

That being said, there are a few what if scenarios I have dealt with with Carson that I have been thankful for!

We were in Costco, and we had sat at a table eating a hotdog (we usually try to feed him first so he'll behave a little better). I walked with the kids back out the front the store to get a shopping cart, and Garry said he would meet us in the front. So I get the kids loaded up in the cart, and Carson decides he also has to go to the bathroom. I take him out and tell him to run and catch up with dad at the table and tell him he has to go to the bathroom.

I get Natalie all situated in the cart and make my way to where we are going to meet, and I see Garry standing there with no Carson....................CRAP!!! I said, did Carson catch you? Is he going to the bathroom? Garry shrugs and says I haven't seen him............DOUBLE CRAP!!!! I run down to the bathroom, and Carson isn't there, by the time I get back to Garry on my way to the information counter so I can report him missing, Carson is holding his dad's hand smiling and quite proud of himself?!?!

I asked, where did you go? He told me that he got in the store and he couldn't find his dad so he looked and saw a Costco worker, and told her that his name was Carson, and he couldn't find his mom, Andrea LaPlante....will you help me please? On her way to page me, he saw his dad, and the emergency was averted.

I was so thankful he actually remembered what we had talked about, and remembered one of the few "what if's" I have taught him about! It gives me hope, and reminds me that he does listen!