Now we know that Husband is indispensible.

He left for California on Saturday morning. On Monday morning, Son got dressed according to his school’s dress code: in black khakis, a white button-down shirt, lace-up shoes. He was about to leave when…

"My tie. Dad’s not here to tie my tie," he said.

Panic set in. We’d completely forgotten about the tie. Husband has been meaning to show Son how to tie it since September but both of them were loathe to give up their bonding moment every weekday morning. Or so it seemed.

"I’ll get in trouble if I don’t wear my tie," Teen Spirit said. "I can’t go to school."
"Not so fast young man," I said. "I’ll call Ed." I dialed the number of our neighbor downstairs but there was no answer. I tried again to no avail. Then I did a quick accounting of our other male neighbors. Most of them leave very early in the morning…

Then I called my sister. "Do you know how to tie a tie?" I asked.
"Nope," she said.

Then I remembered that Daughter knows how to tie a tie. She’s watched Husband do it so many times for Son that she figured it out.

"I don’t remember how to do it," she said in a manner that made me think she was either telling the truth or trying to sabotage her brother.

"Well, I guess I can’t go to school," Son said.

Unfortunately, I was in a big rush: had to be in the city at 8:30 a.m. My hands were tied, so to speak.

"Can’t you ask the school administrator or one of your friends?" I asked. Son looked pained. Clearly, he didn’t want to share with his school friends or the school administration that he can’t tie a tie.

"Do what you think is right," I said running out the door with Daughter.

"Okay. And I’ll spend the morning learning how to tie a tie. I’ll google it on the computer and figure it out." he waved cheerfuly.

When I got home that afternoon, Son had, indeed, figured out how to tie a tie. There were ten ties tied hanging on various pieces of furniture in the living room.

Ten ties ready to go. He won’t have to miss any more school this week.