SCHOOL SPIRIT

Yesterday I told a story about Bryan, it mentioned the Olympic torch...and sweat

Suddenly I realized I hadn’t embarrassed our other two children yet...

So today let me tell you about Ali who in high school was so cool

And filled with more school spirit than anyone in school.

It was the week of the big football game when Ali and Chrissy (her partner in this crime)

To show off their school spirit came up with a plan they thought sublime.

Throughout the week, instead of doing homework, they were thinking, “What do we do?

How do we display our school spirit in our school colors: orange and blue?”

It was getting late, they had no plan, and both were feeling a little deflated

When Ali noticed a package of blue dye and an idea was created.

It was a simple plan yet ingenious plan and one that Ali knew

Chrissy, once she heard it, would think ingenious too

“Everyone,” Ali said, “will wear school colors as I’m sure you are aware

But how many people,” she surmised, “will actually dye their hair?”

So Chrissy came to our house and before the night was through

She had dyed her hair bright orange while Ali dyed hers blue.

The next morning not only were they looking good in their blue & orange school threads

But they were so ecstatic to have those colors on their heads.

Yes, that day at school and that night at the game the whole school will admit

Chrissy’s orange hair and Ali’s blue were really quite a hit.

But before I go much further let me throw out this one thought

Sometimes the simplest plans are the best plans...and sometimes they are not.

The problem comes the next day when I heard our Ali shout

“Dad! Something’s wrong here...I can’t wash this blue dye out!”

“Chrissy said her orange washed out and it didn’t take very long.

For the life of me I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong.”

“Where’s the dye,” I inquired, “that you used yesterday?

I’ll read the directions and find out exactly what they say.”

Without lifting her head as she went back to shampooing her blue locks

She groped around, grabbed onto it, then handed me the box.

“Hmmm, I think I see the problem.” I said smiling in spite of myself.

This is probably one box of dye you should have left upon the shelf.”

For if you’d read the directions I’m sure you’d have been aware.

That this is RIT dye, Ali, It’s used for fabric...not for hair.” 

I imagine Chrissy used a dye for hair, your Rit dye’s a little stronger

While she washed her orange out this morning, I’m afraid your blue will last a little longer.”

I’ll never forget the look on her face as she screamed, “What am I going to do?”

Her eyes were wide, her face was red and her wet hair was still blue.

“Not to worry Ali,” I comforted, “One day you’ll bid this color adieu,

If not you could always go to college in Michigan...their motto’s Go Big Blue!”

Oh eventually her hair grew out and I can speak now on her behalf

When we look back on that day it gives us all a laugh.

As for me, I was glad to see all the fruitful lessons Ali’s simple plan begat

She learned there is a special dye for hair, and that she looked good in hats.