We took a number of road trips across the country when our children were young. We drove from Arizona to the east coast in 1982 and from California to the east coast in 1990. We stopped at many historic sites like Washington, DC, the Alamo and Gettysburg. We have seen the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and followed the Freedom Walk in Boston.
Another memorable place we visited was Mt. Rushmore. Images of four presidents are carved into the side of the mountain. We pitched our tent in a local campground and enjoyed breakfast with four presidents in the National Park cafeteria overlooking the massive site. We went to the gift shops at most of these historic sites so our children could purchase something that would remind them of our visit. Our children usually wanted some trinkets that wouldn’t last very long while I wanted them to find something that would be more practical.
Our time in the gift shop at Mt. Rushmore followed a typical pattern. The kids wanted some small toys and trinkets but I wanted something more practical. I found four plastic drinking cups with the image of Mt. Rushmore on them. They were both affordable and practical. The kids were not happy but I was determined. They did get to decide what color they wanted and we left the gift shop with four memorable and practical drinking cups. Those cups were purchased in 1985. Over the years the painted image of Mt Rushmore has faded and the lettering is completely gone. But we actually still have one of those four cups in our kitchen cupboard today. The trinkets would have been lost or tossed years ago, but one yellow cup remains.
I have tried to explain the story of the yellow Mt Rushmore cup to our grandchildren but they aren’t very impressed. I think it is pretty remarkable that this practical purchase continues to be used at our house. I think it proves I was right. My grandkids think I was very unreasonable to not allow my children to buy what they wanted. Their parents feel the same way. But the plastic drinking cup has become part of our family’s history. Now that I am a grandfather I may be willing to let my grandchildren buy trinkets or toys instead of more practical souvenirs. Practical doesn’t seem as important anymore. It is pretty hard for a grandparent to say no to their grandchildren!
You can read 365 more stories and articles by Mark Hopper in his book Let Mark Encourage You. Purchase your copy for only $20 plus postage. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 