From the Jumping Pillow: “Adults Don't Have Much Fun”

Recently I went to one of those Fall farm places that has a corn maze, hay rides, and lots of fried food (and I was compelled to try Fried Oreos for the first and probably last time). There I discovered what I am told is now a staple of such places: the jumping pillow. It’s like a 60-foot long inflatable bouncy house with no walls or ceiling and a gently sloping surface down to the ground on all sides.

Apparently already familiar with the jumping pillow, my kids kicked off their shoes and ran out and started bouncing. About two seconds later I realized I was just standing there watching so I de-shoed and got out there also.

Almost immediately a stranger kid, maybe six or seven years old, bounced over toward me.

Kid [somewhat angrily]: What are YOU doing on here?!?

Me [taken aback]: Well, what are YOU doing on here?!?

Kid: Having fun!

Me: That’s what I’m doing, too.

Kid [sternly]: Adults aren’t supposed to have fun!

Me: …

Kid [still sternly]: You have to have all your fun when you’re a kid, ‘cause adults don’t have much fun.

It was then that I became aware of the spattering of parents outside the fence around the jumping pillow, standing silently and motionless, watching their children bounce and play.

I invite you to draw your own conclusions from this true story.