The Choice

Today is the day that Lewis was again planning on leaving home to drive back to Fort Collins, an 8.5 hour drive, to spend time with friends for the week. His last full week of the summer before school starts, and the 2nd attempt to get back to Colorado, driving solo. So why did he not leave today as planned, seeing Kansas in his rearview mirror? He made a choice. Lewis had the cash saved to make the trip - just enough money to pay for fuel there and back, with a few bucks to use with friends while "hanging out". But something happened this past Thursday that caused him to make a choice yesterday, a difficult one, that changed his plans for the week.

While out on the lake this past week, Lewis jumped into the water with his cell phone still in his pocket. It is now ruined despite the great efforts he made to get it cleaned up and working again. One reason Greg and I had agreed to let Lewis drive to Colorado for the week was not only is he a good and trusted driver, but he has a cell phone and is able to call for help at any time. No phone - No trip.

The cheap (free) alternative was to transfer Lewis' cell phone number to his old and not-too-glamorous cell phone. Voila! The trip would continue as planned. But since Lewis had lost his i-Pod last month by leaving it out on the back deck he was restaining, and a thunderstorm hit that evening, he had his eye on a new phone that also was an i-Pod - the DARE. Cost? $350.00 - the same amount he had saved to drive to Fort Collins and back. What's a 17-year old boy to do?

Lewis had to make a choice. He investigated his options. Got smart about the past (Fort Collins) vs. the here and now (Wichita, Kansas). What choice did he make? He bought the DARE and is completely satisfied with his decision. His money is gone and there will be no trip - BUT, he's got his phone and i-Pod.

Life is full of difficult decisions. Either decision may satisfy. What will you choose?

P.S. In momma's eyes, I couldn't be happier! I wanted to make the decision for him, but had to leave it up to him so he has nobody else to blame. Also, he now realizes the cost and appreciates the value of these teen toys. YEA!