The Apple Never Falls Far From The Tree - Loyalty

Unfortunately, I’m not much of a reader at all. Never was. Never will be. In what little spare time I have, I listen to music, play some tennis and play poker from time to time with a bunch of neighbourhood dads. I spend time with my wife and kids – in other words, I’m pretty much of an ordinary average guy (as Joe Walsh said in his song of the same name in 1991 – it’s a classic.)

So, when the wife suggested to me a few weeks ago that I read a book that she had loved (she’s a voracious reader by the way), about a dog (I love dogs), I said why not. So that evening I picked up the book written by a guy called Garth Stein and called “The Art of Racing in the Rain”. I’d never heard of him.

Now, if you have not read it – it is a must read. Make no mistake, I am not going to tell you the story and ruin it, but again – it’s a must read. (Full disclosure - although I am in marketing / PR, I’m not Garth’s publicist).

Anyways, it’s an easy read. Can get through it in a few days – and it’s the kind of story you just don’t want to end. It’s a sad – yet feel good story.

But here’s the thing … I guess loyalty plays a big role in my life and in the relationships that I value. In a blog posting a few weeks ago (This would never have happened at Disney) I talked a lot about loyalty – and the fact that my kid’s friend Andrew showed a huge amount of it towards my son Jason. And any fourteen year old kid that understands loyalty has got to be a good kid.

And then I forgot about loyalty until the last chapter of the book – and then boy --- did the concept of loyalty come back or what. You see, the book’s about a dog called Enzo and his master (Denny) – and chronicles the ups and downs of their relationship. It’s vivid. It’s real – and I am sure that if dogs could talk and write – it could even be real. In other words, it’s not far-fetched. Just the way I like a book to be.

So, a few nights ago, I’m a chapter or two from the end of the book – something happens that talks to loyally. The sniffles start. The eyes well up – and moments later I felt the warm salty tears working their way down my cheeks. My wife’s next to me. I’m bawling now. And that’s OK. (Real men cry too, you know!). Well, the tears lasted a few minutes. I mopped up and went on my way. My wife was impressed.

But then something else happened last night that put a few more things into perspective. I’m sitting at the dinner table with the wife and son - Jason. (Daughter - Amanda was at a friend). That all three of us were together is rare. That there were no distractions is even more so.

I’m not sure how the topic of friendship came up, but it did. And when I asked Jason what’s the single most important factor for him in selecting friends, he responded “Loyalty”. I sat back, swallowed the lump in my throat and continued eating. No doubt Jason (like all other teenagers) will learn some harsh realities about life – some will have happy endings, others perhaps not so happy. But one thing that I am so glad is that he’s learned the value of loyalty.

And it's good that the apple never falls far from the tree.

An interesting comment!

So within minutes after having sent my Wonderland Posting - this is what a good friend of mine said --- and the more I think about it, the more I realize, I'm not gonna give up that easily --- stay posted!

This would never have happened at Disney

I’m all about service. I provide great service and I expect the same. When I get great service, I’m the first to talk it up – and when the service I get sucks, I say so. Not only did yesterday's service at Canada’s Wonderland suck, but the offer they made me (supposedly to make me smile), sucked even more.

My son, (Jason, 15) went to Wonderland with his buddy (Andrew). Jason also needed to renew his season pass (cost $61.99 plus tax). Cool. No problem. So, I arm Jason with my American Express Card, (after all, the ad says to never leave home without it), drop him at the park and off I go to work-out. Sounded simple! Unfortunately not!

An hour later Jason calls me. He’s exasperated.

“Hi Dad”, he says. “I’ve been in the line for almost an hour. I am at the front now and they’re telling me their American Express terminal is down – what should I do?”

“I’m sure they’ll come up with a plan – work with them Jason – stay cool.”

“I’m trying Dad - they won’t help”

“Let me speak to the person”, I say.

“No – she won’t come to the phone and says she can’t help me or you”

“Huh – you gotta be kidding??” – as I overhear the conversation between Jason and the clerk.

“Jason, please just tell her that I would like to speak to her”

“I told her – and she says no”

Now I’m pinching myself --- can this be true?

I call the park – finally get through to customer service and speak to someone called Michelle. She seems on the ball. She seems to understand. I tell her my situation and she apologizes. Says that what I need to do, is come to the park. She’ll have me, Jason and his buddy whisked to the front of the line and take care of the issue – and that she’ll give Jason $10 in food coupons for the fact that their machine was down and that he had to wait just under an hour in line.

You know what $10 gets you at Wonderland? Maybe 2 ice cream cones if you’re lucky!!! Problem is that I’m not feeling lucky. Matter of fact, I’m feeling like I just got a swift kick in the ass - how's that for unlucky?

She tells me to ask for an employee called Ariz who will help me.

Forty minutes later, I'm at the park's entrance, find Jason --- he’s sad (and I am beyond pissed). We ask security for Ariz – of course they’ve never heard of him. And what’s even worse, by the look on the security guard’s face - you’d think I’d asked him for the holy grail. Not only did he have no idea what I was talking about, he mumbled something and then looked away – clearly, he was not a helper.

I called again. Miraculously Michelle answered the phone. (Thank the good lord for small miracles). She agreed to send Ariz out – and seconds later there was Ariz. The diminutive and very young looking Ariz worked wonders. He whisked us here, he whisked us there – and without further hassle Jason and his buddy Andrew were in the park, a full 96 minutes after I had dropped them in line earlier in the afternoon. Both teens went away happy and smiling. Jonny and Ariz had come to the rescue!

I guess ten bucks compensation (aka two ice cream cones) is better-than-nothing.

As I was chating with my 15 year old about this, I imparted the following words of wisdom:

1. Having a plan B is critical. The circumstances would have been entirely different, (not to mention easier), if I'd given Jason my American Express as Plan A … and perhaps my Visa card as Plan B. That way if one fails, the other is bound to work.

2. Never give up when you know you’re right – My son was perfectly in line by asking to speak to the supervisor – and when the supervisor refused, for who knows what reason, my son should have stood his ground, even calmly demanding to speak to even the supervisor’s supervisor if necessary.

3. Loyalty – and that’s a massive one for a Sacke. Jason’s buddy (Andrew) who had brought just enough cash for himself to get in, could have simply said to Jason “Tough luck – see ya inside the park later dude” – and that’s exactly what he did not do. Jason was down – like who the hell would not be. Andrew put his arm around his shoulder. Andrew stuck with him. Andrew behaved like a good friend should --- and I like that. No – I love that. Andrew’s a good kid.


In the end, the kids had a good time. I killed a full 90 minutes doing kindness for my kid. And you know what made it worthwhile? When my kid said “Dad, I really appreciate what you did. That was very kind. Thanks!”

Ahhh – the joys of fatherhood. Too bad that time is flying so fast. And as far as Wonderland making me or my kid happy with the poor treatment we got? Ain’t gonna happen! $10 bucks of near worthless food coupons just isn’t gonna cut it. Shame!!!