It's no secret that I grew up in a Mormon family. We went to church every week, read our scriptures, and had Family Home Evening. We didn't shop on Sundays, we paid our tithing and we supported our church leaders. We were the epitome of what a Mormon family should be.
One Monday night when I was about 10, my dad said he had something special for the "treat" part of Family Home Evening. We excitedly made our way through the typical program: Opening Song, Prayer, Testimony, Lesson. Then Dad disappeared into the kitchen.
A few minutes later Dad yelled from the kitchen. "Close your eyes, you birds, and don't open them until I say so!" I sat there on the couch with my eyes closed as Dad came in and handed me a cool glass of liquid. "Don't open your eyes yet, just drink it," he said. As I lifted the glass to my lips I immediately smelled something unpleasant. I wasn't about to drink some stinky mystery drink, especially one my prankster dad just gave me, so I opened my eyes.
There in my hand was an ice-cold glass of beer. "Take a drink!" my dad said. "No! It smells gross and it's beer!" "It's just O'Douls, there's no alcohol in it, just drink it!" So I tentatively took a sip. A strong bitter yeasty flavor rolled over my tongue and I thought I was going to barf. "Ew! This is gross!" "Come on! Take a few swallows!" "I can't! It's going to make me throw up!" This went on for several more minutes until Dad finally gave up. We'd tasted beer and hated it. Just as he'd planned.
The remaining bottles of beer sat out in the garage for months before they were finally thrown away. It would be years before I'd have the nerve to try beer again. Dad's plan worked, as unconventional and crazy as it sounds. Although, this story doesn't even compare to the time he gave us hash brownies.
Ok not really. But he probably wanted to.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Please Bless the Refreshments
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7 comments:
Fascinating!! I've had friends who've tried the same thing with their kids, i.e., let them try a sip of wine. I will never forget one dear friend who's little one took a big sip of a strong cabernet and then said "Mmmm, YUMMY!" Not exactly the response she was hoping for!
Yeah, that kind of thing definitely backfired on me. With obvious consequences. I'm a lush!
Your dad sound like quite the character. And he seems so mild-mannered in person!
Also, ingenious conclusion. Made me lol.
It took me a long time to like beer or wine. Now, they're two of life's great pleasures for me. It's interesting how our bodies develop tastes for things.
I thought it was sparkling cider at first until I smelled it. I don't think I could get myself to ever drink the stuff again if I wanted!! I have no desire. The smell makes me gag just being next to it.
For some reason I am pretty sure I wasn't at this particular Family Home Evening. I do remember Dad stopping me in the garage on a Saturday afternoon and handing me a bottle and telling me to take a drink. Of course I said no way. I think Dad got frustrated because I didn't even take a sip! It did smell repulsive. Later on after I was married I did drink a little just to see what I was missing. Yep, pretty sure I wont be a big beer drinker any time soon. Maybe it all stems from Dad's little mind game....ha! ha! Love you Dad!
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