Sniffing out gunpowder and donuts

The girls, their mother, and I headed out this past week on a journey to the Lake of the Ozarks. Though an area I had grown accustomed to visiting while serving as the sheriff of Carter County, we haven’t had the opportunity to experience the lake over the past couple of years. When we received the call requesting that we attend the Missouri Sheriff’s Association Spring Conference to promote our recently published book, we gladly agreed. The girls were excited as ever because although we would be working, they would get an opportunity to take a mini vacation, visiting the much-desired waterpark and maybe even doing a little shopping.

The first day of the trip entailed our travel to the lodge, then setting up a booth where we would have the opportunity to meet new sheriffs and see some old friends. The process was quick and before long everything was in place and the girls were let loose to travel the vender hall, seeing what new gadgets they could talk the other vendors out of. Although apprehensive about letting the girls out of my sight in a packed room, my beloved wife reminded me that the girls truly were in the safest place in the state because they had every sheriff in Missouri in the room with them. My concerns were instantly relieved as I laughed in agreement.

As the evening moved on, I began seeing my old friends, brothers, and fellow sheriffs. With each hug, outreached hand, and friendly smile I felt at home again. The girls continued their adventure, routinely returning to our booth, then off to see what kind of fun they could conjure up. Seeing my fellow sheriffs in the distance show the girls attention brought back memories from conferences gone by, as my friends treated the girls as their own.

As the evening began drawing to a close, I noticed that my wife had a silly grin on her face. As I sat down, she stated, “You aren’t going to believe what your daughter said.” She then began telling me that Lilli sat down and described to her, “It’s kind of neat getting back here because it smells like sheriffs in this room.” My wife said she inquired as to what a sheriff smells like, and Lilli replied “Ummm… kind of like gunpowder and donuts,” just like Daddy. As my wife relayed Lilli’s assertion, I couldn’t help but laugh internally.

The more the evening continued, the more I thought about Lilli’s words. Funny and edgy, the child’s assertion couldn’t be disputed. I decided to put it to the test and inhaled deeply, hoping to see if the child was right. She was, the room smelled of exactly that, gunpowder, donuts, and maybe a hint of coffee. As I laughed a little bit I was reminded of the true joy which comes with parenthood. Where else can we enjoy our time while getting brutally honest responses from people? At times, we need that honesty to keep a level head and even experience a moment of levity in this overly serious world we live in. Enjoy the words of our babies, my friends. My girl’s words brough numerous smiles, belly laughs, and tears of joy as I shared them with my brothers and sisters. Although initially unsure how to react, the comedy of it all overcame, allowing each of us to truly enjoy the moment.

Live a little my friends. Be safe and definitely eat some donuts along the way.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.