We were shopping at our local Walmart, picking up items for our small family and just enjoying our Saturday together (time together has become more and more scarce as the days move on), when I realized something about how I perceive the world.
We now use two carts in order to hold our kids and all the groceries. While Ai was looking at something down an aisle, I was watching the two carts and not really paying attention to the people around me. I was looking at some product in front of me when I was startled and frightened by a man's voice. I whipped around to see a middle-aged man staring at my girl and saying, "What a beautiful baby. Congratulations." The only thought in my mind was, "Get away from my daughter." After a moment of conversation with the man, my nerves calmed and I was able to relax, but I couldn't help feeling guilty for my initial reaction to this man's presence.
What a sad world this has become that I have to fear anyone who gets too close to my children. The news and events from the world and from our own backyard have certainly made me think differently.
My wife's younger sister and her husband are currently living in Japan with there two kids (and one on the way!). Brandon is there getting work experience before they come back to the States for an MBA.
