Frame of Mind Coaching

I was the master. For the past 2 years I held the title for the best record April Fools’ joke ever. It happened a couple of years back when I told my parents that I was getting married to someone they didn't think was a particularly good match for me, one year after an initial 15 year marriage that resulted in separation and divorce. They went ballistic (as I expected they would) and proceeded to tell me that this marriage was a huge mistake. They said it was too early and that my reasoning was impaired. I kept the joke going by increasing the drama. I responded by saying that after all I'd been through, I could not imagine that they were not happy for me and that their negative reaction was taking away all of my excitement during this happy event. My parents stopped short of booking their flights to Toronto to knock some sense into me. And for that stroke of genius I was crowned master.

Until April 1, 2007.

We were in Montreal visiting loved ones to celebrate Passover. My children had stayed up relatively late the night before and got up that day a bit sluggish and cranky. After our morning meal, my son, Louis went to the washroom to clean up and prepare for the day. I was in the kitchen helping my mother clear the dishes from breakfast when I heard a familiar holler, "Mom, I am not feeling well."

My maternal instincts kicked in right away as I rushed to the washroom and opened the door. The odor was enough to knock me over. There he sat wincing; his face clearly showing severe stomach pain. He said, "Mom, I don't feel well. My stomach is actually hurting and I cannot find any toilet paper. I need your assistance." When I approached, he pulled out his arm and showed his hand covered in a terrible orange-brown textured goo.

I was taken aback, took his arm desperately searching for some kind of tissue to begin cleaning the mess and said, "Oh my God! What happened?"

He said, "I am so sorry Mom, I did not know what to do. My stomach is really hurting. I need your help." My heart went out to him in every way. I could really feel his pain and his embarrassment and felt pleasure that I was the one he could turn to for assistance in this kind of crises. After all ... that's what mothers are for.

Only then he reached down (with his other hand) and uncovered the chocolate bar wrapper which he had used as evidence of his April Fools’ trick. I was impressed by his power to reel me in emotionally and by his crafty execution. They say the acorn does not fall far away from the tree. I think I deserved it - the master had been dethroned!


Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Share your story at www.frameofmindcoaching.com.