For some time, my girls have been broaching the subject of getting their ears pierced. While I do not necessarily have a problem with this, having had my own pierced since the age of four, I wanted them to be ready for it. So, after having exaggerated the pain involved, the care required, and all other dissuading factors, my arguments made no serious impression. I told them I would discuss it with their dad, and the matter was dropped for the time being.
In the meantime, I began to plot. Paul said it was fine for them to have it done, so I wanted to make it really special. I knew we were going to be spending a few days with my mom, so I called her, and we found a place in the mall that pierced ears. My grandma got in on the action as well, and came with my mom to pick us up. I did not tell the girls where we were going until we got into the car. The looks on their faces say it all.
After we reached the mall, we went in and started snapping pictures of the girls in front of the store where we intended to have the piercings done. A store manager came bustling out and told us we were not allowed to take pictures in the store. First of all, we were in the middle of the mall walkway, not in the store. Second, I do not intend to use my photos for corporate espionage. Third, why in the world would anyone want to pirate their cheap, Chinese junk—especially I? I was not very pleased upon our first encounter, and decided that if they were going to be ugly, I would take my business elsewhere. I told the manager that I was coming to have my daughters’ ears pierced, and that I would be taking pictures, and if she didn’t like that, I would give someone else my business. She backed down and said that I could take them at the piercing station inside the store, doubtless seeing the dollar signs disappearing along with my camera. I was somewhat appeased, but rather distrustful at this point, but I quietly put aside my objections and decided to be nice as long as she behaved. :)
The girls by this time had grown rather quiet, and perhaps a bit apprehensive. Abigail went first, climbing into the chair, and after getting prepped and marked, she bravely smiled through the whole process.
Esther entered the chair with a bit more trepidation, even though she had a stellar example of courage in her older sister. She sat quietly in the chair, having her ears prepped and marked. When the first ear was pierced, her eyes got rather large, and she said in a very small voice, “Ouch.” The girl doing the work quickly did the other ear, and when the second hole was made, the tears began to flow down Esther’s cheeks. However, she wiped them away just as fast as they came, and a big smile was plastered on her face. I told her she was very brave (I remember screaming when I had mine done) and that I was proud of her.
After the painful process was over, we did a little shopping and I let them pick out some earrings for when they are able to take out the starter studs. It was a lot of fun. I even found a pair that I liked… I will show them to you later.
We all posed for a picture, or rather, a series of pictures as we left the store. It was a memorable trip for all of us, made special by being able to share it with family. Here we are—four generations on a chick trip!
