Stranger Than Fiction

I took the children to a local park yesterday for a picnic. We laid out towels with blankets over top, anchored Donovan around a tree, and pulled out the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and biscuits. While we were stuffing ourselves and visiting, we noticed a Park employee drive up near us in a golf cart. The garbage can closest to us was falling over.

He jumped off the cart and ran to the garbage can, righting it into it's normal position. As we watched, the golf cart took off by itself, leaving him behind. It was pointed down a hill and began picking up speed as it tore through the parking lot. We all sat staring in silence, watching the scene unfold before us like a tape from America's Funniest Home Videos.

The guy turned around and realized that his golf cart was a good 20 feet away from him. He took off at a tear, chasing it down as it moved faster and faster. Finally, about half way down the parking lot, he dove for the front seat, sprawled across it, quickly sat up, and regained control. We all looked around at each other. Our eyes were bulging and smirks tugged at the corners of our mouths. Finally, one of us began to laugh and we all burst out.

I honestly think this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen; the look on the guy's face when he realized the golf cart was moving, rapidly, away from him, was priceless. The whole scene was surreal, looking more like a Ben Stiller movie than real life. Certainly, it was unexpected.

They say real life is usually more bizarre than fiction. In this instance, it was at least as funny as something made up. It was one of those moments that families share and never forget, one of those bonding experiences that help define the personality of your life together.

I have to admit, though - I still looked around for a camera or Peter Sellers peeking out from behind a tree.