Car Wash Signs

Whenever I see the hand-made sign that says “Car Wash” I stop in, so I can support a good cause. Not too long ago, on Kirkwood Highway in Delaware, I pulled up and a whole team of kids started cheering. I later learned that with the exception of 2 or 3 parents I was the only actual customer of the day.

As the kids got started I asked the mom and dad chaperoning about what they were raising money for. Mom told me about the baseball team these kids were part of and trying to get to a tournament out of state. Dad, however ,was unable to converse as every few seconds he was turning back to the kids with instructions like “No, don’t.” “Spray the car, the car.” “You have to use the sponge, here like this.”

Inevitably, after his instructions didn’t take, he started just following behind the kids. As the oblivious kids working their way around the car with their carelessly light attempt at washing, he followed behind diligently scrubbing. I was so amused, I tipped generously and wished them luck in their tournament and quietly wished the dad luck with the rest of the day at the car wash.