Part three of the ‘intangible’ Christmas gifts was realized on Sunday. Bryan and his dad traveled to Camden, New Jersey to explore and take the guided tour of the Battleship New Jersey, docked along the icy Delaware River.

Father and son trekked on most of the upper three levels and the decks available for exploration though the temps were frosty and the ship cold. A bit leery of descending the steep metal steps face first, Bryan opted to turn around and go down backwards each time. He must share his mother’s fear of heights! Sitting in the captains seat with a birds eye view of the main deck was one of the favorite parts of this adventure. Bryan was also able to “sound the alarm” and “fire” the main guns via a simulator – something he was ‘gunning’ to do!

He traversed the decks going into the kitchen, exploring the instrument panels, inspecting the living quarters, finding the dentist office, standing alongside the bombshells which were taller than he, capped off by a surprise offer by the tour guide to go into the engine room 4 way below the main deck which is at the bottom of the ship.

Walking the snowy main deck finished off the tour with Bryan saluting the ship and the flag outside before the boys headed back up north on I 95.

Judging from the wide grins and intense interest in everything he saw, Bryan clearly enjoyed himself immensely. But, as dad mused following their return, there was no “Thanks, Dad!” offered at all. Nor was there any thanks after the Christmas sojourn to Longwood Gardens or the Auto Show – his two other special gifts. 

It’s so disappointing not to hear some gratitude expressed. Following the trip, we discussed this recurring theme after beating ourselves up, wondering if we failed as parents in our upbringing of Bryan. ”No”, we concluded. We taught him how to say please and thank you growing up. However, once kids fly the nest, you are not always around to prompt the good manners. You just have to hope that they stick. 

Is Bryan really ungrateful and acting like he’s entitled to all of this? Absolutely not. But, it sure would be nice to hear a verbal “thank you” once in a while. Then again, what is the definition of insanity?!