When I was in college an event took place that recently found its way back into my life. One rainy morning during my junior year, my college roommate Craig and I were leaving the apartment to go to class.  Jess, my wife who was my girlfriend at the time, was leaving her apartment as well. We were walking to the shuttle to take us to our classes. There was not room for all of us to use the sidewalk, so I started to walk on the soggy grass.

When I started to walk on the grass I hear Jess say, “Walk on the sidewalk Art.” (Which later somehow turned into “Walk on the sidewalk Arthur.”) Immediately without looking at Craig’s face, I knew he had a smile from ear to ear. I look over at him and he gave me a look like, I am not letting go of this line for a long time.

To be fair to Craig, he only told the story to my roommates a few times. They all collectively reminded me of that rainy morning anytime they deemed necessary. Even after college my old roommates might bring up the “Walk on the sidewalk Arthur” line from time to time.

Fast forward to the present day the family and I were walking out of church and it was raining. Jess was walking with Lily and I was holding Jordan’s hand. Lily started to walk on the wet grass and my wife says to her, “Walk on the sidewalk Lily.” I immediately start giggling.  Jess looks over at me and knows exactly why I am laughing.

Jess and I shared a laugh and Lily wanted to know what was so funny. We told her the story and now sometimes we will hear Lily say, “Walk on the sidewalk Arthur.” Sometimes Lily will even say, “Walk on the sidewalk Jessica.” I laugh every time Lily says the famous line. It is not just because the line takes me to a time in my life where I caught some ribbing from friends, but Lily wants to play a part in the joke as well. It is cute to see her try and make people laugh. I enjoy the moments in life where the past meets up with the present and you can find the humor from both events.