The Man Card

A few weeks ago Aaron was in Utah for a recruiting event. You might remember this occurrence since I blogged/whined about it here. The nice thing about Aaron doing recruiting events in Utah is that his parents live out there and it gives him the chance to stay and catch up with them.

Between events for recruiting Aaron was at a small grocery store with his parents. He offered to hold the small basket full of items for his Mom. After a few gallons of milk and a 12 pack of soda, the basket was getting heavy. This nifty basket came with wheels and should you so choose, you could put the basket on the ground and pull the handle up and wheel it around instead of carry it. Aaron's Mom kept telling him to put the heavy basket on the ground and Aaron kept refusing. Finally, Aaron's Mom questioned his motives since it made no sense for Aaron to be carrying heavy items when he didn't need to be. Aaron responded, "If I put this thing on the ground and wheeled it around I'm pretty sure they would revoke my man card."

Aaron returned home and a day or two later he got a letter in the mail. Inside the letter was his "Official Man Card," and details outlining the terms and conditions for it. We were laughing hysterically as we read it over.

Here is what it said:

AARON BARNARD is hereby awarded an official MAN CARD for manly acts beyond the call of duty. Specifically, you are being recognized for your attention to your *sick (but still beautiful) daughter even though you had the opportunity to party hearty with your parents in Utah.


Please be advised that this MAN CARD can, and will, be revoked if you participate in any of the following events:
1. The wearing of excessive pink, excluding tea parties with your daughter.
2. The purchase or lease of a Prius (or any other egg-shaped car).
3. The reading with intent to enjoy any of the Twilight novels.


Should your MAN CARD be revoked, it can not be re-rewarded unless you can unequivocally prove to the MAN CARD COMMITTEE that you have successfully run with the bulls at Pablona. Your survival of the event is not required.


CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US (high five, chest bump, light pat on the rear)


(*The sick event referring to a terrible sick day Grace had the last day Aaron was out of town where I spent pretty much the entire day talking to Aaron on the phone, updating him on what was happening, and sending him pictures like this:)

I will have you know that Aaron's Man Card is printed out on an official business card that he could carry in his wallet. One never knows when proof of one's manhood needs to be shown. I hope to one day frame his card and letter, because the whole thing is too epic not to have hanging on our wall.

And congratulations Aaron, you are officially a man.

Mad props to Aaron's parents for their ridiculously awesome creativity.