10:89

Last year, for Christmas, my mom and dad got Jackson a Mickey Mouse watch. His big brother wears a watch, and he wanted to wear one, too, and wear it he did. Every time someone would ask him the time he’d proudly look at it and announce that it was 10:89. Did I mention he’s 4, and can’t tell time? It didn’t matter. He loved that watch. Christian’s watch is what Jackson likes to refer to as a water watch. He wears it to the beach, swimming, and in the bath. Jackson was convinced his was, too. We tried to explain, over and over and over again that it wasn’t, but he wouldn’t hear it. He would argue us down, then hop into the bath with it on. One day, it quit working. Didn’t matter. Wore it anyway. 10:89, all day long. After awhile, the water really messed it up. The bezel fell off and Mickey Mouse kicked the bucket. It was such a sad day. Our Mickey Mouse watch days were over. A few weeks later, after serious debates over who got what job, Scott took Jackson to the doctor while I went to Walmart to get groceries. I promised the boys a treat, Jackson for being brave at the doctor, and Christian for being moral support for his little brother when he really would rather go with me. After finding something for Christian, I was looking for a tractor or something equally exciting for Jackson when I decided to peruse the watches. There before me was the treats of all treats, a digital Mickey Mouse water watch. I swear, the clouds parted and the sun shone down, and I think I heard angels sing. For $12.00 I restored my child’s happiness and time-telling capabilities. He is back to blowing bubbles and telling time for anyone who will listen. The best part, it’s no longer 10:89.