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April 26, 2025
I have a story about a "Wamus" made twenty six years ago that still resonates today.
What is a Wamus you might ask?
Well, it all started back in 1999 when our son Mike was five years old and his sister Caroline was three and a half.
Each accused the other of swiping something that wasn't theirs.
Unable to settle their spat, they stormed into the home office where their mom, Corinne, was working.
When she asked why they were there, Mike said Caroline had something of his and wouldn't give it back.
Caroline countered that Mike had something of hers.
Corinne suggested they swap the items to make peace.
Mike reluctantly handed over Caroline's treasure.
But when he asked for his item, Caroline refused. "You promised!" he cried.
"I didn't promise. I Wamused," she declared.
In her mind, a "Wamus" wasn't a real promise - and she wasn't obligated to follow through.
After further counseling from Mom I think they eventually worked things out.
Fast forward to 2025 and Mike is visiting for the weekend.
Since that spat in '99, he's graduated from Virginia Tech with dual degrees in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, worked at NASA, and built a career at two of the world's largest consulting firms.
We were all sitting around the fire pit on our porch, relaxing with a drink and we asked Mike how his week had gone.
That's when he responded "It was going great until Friday when one of my clients 'Wamused' me".
While totally unexpected, we all understood exactly what he meant.
Some words stick.
Some lessons grow with you.
And sometimes, even when the world feels bigger and harder, it helps to remember what you learned at five years old:
Smile.
Adapt.
Move forward.
