A giraffe named George...

When we took our children to Florida on vacation for the very first time, we tried to pack in as much fun and adventure as possible. We planned to save Disney World for another trip. We stopped at Marine Land, stayed a couple of days in St. Augustine, a few more days in Daytona and then headed to Silver Springs (http://www.silversprings.com/cruises.html). Our day there was filled with rides on Glass Bottom boats, watching the alligators, the beautiful crystal clear water and various other sights. Just before we left, we decided to make a round and visit a few more animals.

My son was fascinated but rather small at the time so hubby perched him on his shoulders for a better view. It was perfect, he was just the right height to see it all. Unfortunately for hubby, a male giraffe named George must have thought they were just as interesting as he was to us. He wandered up to the fence to check out these two humans who looked like one.

They stood there for a few moments, almost face to face (son and George that is) just looking at each other. While son sat mesmerized, George decided he liked what he saw...and proceeded to lick my husband...from the base of his neck all the way to the top of his head. As he was holding on to son, there was nothing to do but stand there and take it.

Needless to say, covered in giraffe slobber and with the hair on one side of his head sticking straight up, hubby was not happy...but son was thrilled! You see, as George licked, son put out his hand and rubbed part of George's exceptionally long neck. How many children from our part of the world can say they've petted a giraffe? After a quick trip to the rest room to freshen up, all was well and hubby had decided it was worth the indignity. Our son's joy lasted the rest of the trip.

As time has passed and son began to realize what his Dad did for him that day it's taken on a different meaning. A source of ribbing for Dad but a source of love and pride for son. What a beautiful example of the lengths a father will go for a child.