Long John’s and the First Snow

Hey Dad,

Many of you know that for the first snowfall of the season we try to eat at Long John Silver’s. What you may not know is WHY we eat at such a greasy spoon of a place.

Here’s the story:

Once upon a time we were eating at a Long John Silver’s on a dark wintry night…and it was snowing. Not a normal snow, but a big, flakes-as-big-as-saucers, kind of snow. A magical, slowly falling snow. From that point on we’ve just kind of associated that good feeling of falling snow with Long John Silver’s.

Since then, on the first snow of the season, we eat at LJS. The snow has never been like that first night…but the feeling is there. I’d just about bet the farm that my kids will spend their first snow falls eating at LJS with their families…and they’ll think of me and the old days.

That’s why I make such a big deal about these “dumb events” as some would call them (including my wife). They’re important. Or should I say they help me show my family what matters most….THEM.

It doesn’t have to be first snow falls…it might be a Lord of the Ring’s Marathon, like my good friend, Davis does with his family. They start early and end late. I’m telling you, his kids will remember the movie fondly, not because of all the action, because of their parents and the love on those nights.

I know some would say, what a waste of time…but i’m telling you it is anything BUT that. It’s what matters.

And that’s the story of why we eat at Long John Silver’s.

You ‘da dad,

PS – Because some have asked. This is what we do for the first snow: besides eating at LJS, we get the kids a small wintry gift (like gloves or something practical…but it could be as simple as a favorite candy), I’ll make them a little card, and we’ll do something wintry or watch a  snugly video (Frozen or a new animated DVD release). That’s it.