yesterday was father's day. i got up early with the baby at 6:30 a.m. and went through the morning routine a little more quickly than usual. i changed his diaper, fed him a bottle, fed him breakfast, put a sweatshirt on him, and got him ready to go out by 8:15 a.m. i didn't put on coffee because we're out of coffee grinds. this is wny i need to go to the store. my wife is still sleeping, i try to let her sleep late on weekends; plus, it's father-son time i get to spend with the baby. i take him out into the car and head to the supermarket. i find a spot close to the front, i get out and find a not-to-dirty-or-rusty shopping cart, and strap him into the child seat. i weave the belt strap through one of his favorite toys. that way, he can play with it while we're shopping, but he won't drop it. once inside, i head right for the coffee bar. while contemplating my coffee choices, a middle-aged couple approach me fromt he right- presumably to get coffee as well. they compliment me on my son- 'he's very cute, and very well-behaved'. it's true- he is cute, and he's hapily playing with his toy and listening to me talk aloud to myself about my coffee decision. i thank them and make small talk, briefly. as we part ways they say 'happy father's day'. i smile and thank them, and i am beaming with pride. a random compliment and father's day well-wishing from strangers has made my morning. i continue on shopping, talking to the baby the whole time about grocery selections and such. the end.