Reap What You Sow.

After the threat of making Santa's "Naughty List" loses its sting, what do parents have to wield as a club?

According to a conversation I overheard from a young guy in Ikea: plenty.

A- "Now listen to me. I know that this might be tough to hear--and it's going to sound shitty. . ."

Already my interest is piqued. Any time ANYONE has ever said ANYTHING to me with the prologue, 'Now, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but. . . ' the ensuing comment has always made me want to kick them in the tenders.

A- ". . . but you have got to start being nicer to your parents. They're starting to get older, and when they die you want an inheritance. . ."

Cold.

A- ". . . That's the only reason I started being nice to mine."

Colder.

But the girlfriend's response took the cake.

C- "You're right."

Coldest.

My brother and I have already lost the inheritance battle to our deaf, blind toy poodle Kelsey. That little French bastard treats mom like the sun rises and sets on her--and he's been doing it since he was a puppy! Oh, if I only knew then what I know now. . .